Yesterday I discovered some surprising things about used appliances. As part of our renovation project we are removing the washer and dryer that were squeezed into the makeshift laundry room. Squeezed so tight that the windowsill had been removed to fit them in.The plan was to sell them and purchase a stacking washer and dryer to create more space. These appliances were purchased in 2009 from a reputable second hand appliance dealer. They were recondidtioned and came with a year guarantee. As you can see, they are clean and new looking and they work just fine. The thing that shocks us is that nobody wants them.
We posted them for sale at less than half of what we paid for them a year ago and not a single person responded. Then we decided to see if we could trade them in at the store where we bought them--only to find that it has gone out of business. There is only one used appliance dealer left in Victoria and they don't want them either.
He says that most of the appliances they get end up taken to the recyclers, even though they may work perfectly well. They only sell certain models that they can guarantee for a year. Many of the washers and dryers made between 5 and 15 years ago are very good and still have lots of life. The ones made more recently may look good but unless you're paying for top brands they're made with lighter materials and don't last that long. But nobody wants an old washer or dryer. Everyone wants shiny new appliances.
Apparently if we buy an appliance from them they'll take away our old washer and dryer and recycle it for a $60 fee. I'm just a little suspicious though. What's to keep them from reconditioning them and selling them? At this point I don't know what the truth is!
Yes, we've discovered that, too. So we buy our appliances from a reputable retailer - selling only new - and they take them away. Since they only sell new, I've never thought about anything but recycling. But, I suppose they could sell it on, couldn't they? It's all rather like used cars without wheels.
ReplyDeleteCan you donate them to a shelter? I'd feel way better about donating to someone in need-vs-giving it to someone out to make a buck.
ReplyDeleteGood idea Rudee. I'll look into that. The catch is the cost of transporting them. About $30 for a truck and driver, but at least they would be used.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna - I was quite happy to buy an old, used set years 8 years ago. They are still running fine and I am still grateful as I don't have a big income. In the US there are plenty of Salvation Army's and other such places that will come and get your large donations like appliances. There must be SOMEWHERE like that in BC?
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your blog... I look forward to taking more of a look!