The appliance price hike is here: 5 things buyers need to know
Follow UsAC prices have increased by around 5 to 8% across several brands, while some TVs, refrigerators and washing machines are up by 2 to 4%.
Old-stock appliances may still be available at earlier prices, even after manufacturers have revised their pricing.
Festive discounts can change the final deal, while some brands could raise prices again later this year.
The festive season is usually when appliance shopping gets easier to justify. Discounts, cashback offers and exchange deals can bring down the price of a new AC, refrigerator or washing machine, but this year there is another factor buyers need to account for. Appliance prices have gone up, with ACs becoming around 5 to 8% costlier across several brands, while some refrigerators, washing machines and TVs are seeing increases of around 2 to 4%.
SurveyLG has increased AC prices by around 5 to 7%, while Haier has raised AC prices by around 5% and is also increasing prices of some TVs and washing machines by around 2 to 3%. Blue Star, Godrej and other manufacturers have also announced price increases. Higher copper, steel, plastic and freight costs are among the reasons behind these hikes.
If you were already planning to buy an appliance, the higher prices do not necessarily mean you need to rush into a purchase. There are a few things worth knowing before deciding whether to buy now or wait for a better deal.
1. The hike can add several thousand rupees to an expensive appliance
The percentage increase becomes easier to understand when converted into actual rupees. A 5% hike adds Rs 1,500 to a Rs 30,000 appliance, Rs 2,000 to a Rs 40,000 model and Rs 2,500 to a Rs 50,000 model. At 8%, the increase on a Rs 40,000 appliance becomes Rs 3,200.
Also read: TV and appliance prices set to rise before Diwali: Here is what will get costlier
With AC prices going up by 5 to 8% across several brands, the difference can add up quickly. An AC that was priced at Rs 50,000 would cost Rs 52,500 after a 5% hike and Rs 54,000 after an 8% increase.
For TVs, refrigerators and washing machines, the percentage increases are generally lower, but even a 2 to 4% revision can add a noticeable amount to the final bill on expensive models.
2. The new price may not be what every retailer is charging
The new prices will not necessarily show up across every store at once. Some retailers may still have units they bought before the latest revision, so you could come across the same model at its earlier price even after the brand has raised its pricing.
This can work in a buyer’s favour. If a Rs 40,000 appliance has gone up by 5%, its revised price would be Rs 42,000. Finding the same model from older inventory at Rs 40,000 could save more than waiting for a small additional discount on the newer stock.
If you have already shortlisted a model, it is therefore worth asking the retailer whether the unit is old or new stock before comparing the deal.
3. A big festive discount does not automatically mean a better deal
Festive sales add another layer to the calculation. Brands and retailers are offering discounts, cashback, exchange bonuses and bank offers, so the final amount you pay can be quite different from the revised MRP.
The discount shown on a product page does not tell you much on its own. A newer unit with a 20% discount can still cost more than an older unit that is selling with a smaller discount because its starting price is lower. Checking the actual price of the same model across a few sellers gives you a better idea of where the deal really stands.
This is also why comparing the model number matters. Two models from the same brand may look similar and have comparable specifications, but their prices and offers can be very different.
4. AC buyers have more reason to check prices carefully
ACs are seeing some of the biggest increases, at around 5 to 8% across several brands. So, if an AC was already on your shopping list, the difference between old and revised pricing can be significant.
Refrigerators, washing machines and TVs are seeing lower increases across some brands, so there can be more room to compare models and offers in these categories.
For an AC, however, it makes sense to check the price of your shortlisted model across online retailers, brand stores and local dealers. If an older unit is still available at a good price, the saving could outweigh the benefit of waiting for another sale.
5. Another price hike could come later
The latest increase may not be the last one. Haier has indicated that it could revise appliance prices again in December and January, which means buyers could see another change in pricing later in the year.
That makes the current price worth checking carefully if you already need a new appliance. An older unit available at a good price could make more sense than waiting for a festive offer on newer stock, particularly if prices move up again later.
Also read: 5 home appliances to add to your Amazon and Flipkart festive sale shopping list
