Appliance Delivery Or Self Pick-Up: Which Is The Right Choice For You?

When it's time to purchase a new appliance, you can easily spend hours upon hours researching the most reliable brands as well as which appliance brands to avoid at all costs. But after you've carefully picked a model and made it to checkout, you have another big choice to make. Should you have your new appliance delivered to your home or pick it up in-store yourself? The right choice for you depends on a few factors, including how heavy the appliance is, whether you have a vehicle that can carry it, and how much delivery costs.

There's no denying the convenience of delivery. But getting an appliance delivered isn't like ordering takeout. The delivery process can block out an entire day and add a significant cost onto your purchase. It also adds the risk that you end up with an appliance that has been damaged by workers while in transit. However, picking up your appliance in-store comes with its own risks, particularly if you're not experienced with moving heavy, bulky items.

Refrigerators weigh between 200 and 400 pounds on average; washing machines weigh between 150 and 230. Needless to say, you can't safely transport these items alone. Even if you're strong enough to lift the appliance, you need someone to spot you and help you navigate. You also need a vehicle that has the capacity to carry it. If you don't have those two things on hand already, it makes more sense to pay for delivery rather than pay for a truck rental and moving assistance.

On the other hand, if you already own an appropriate vehicle and have a strong friend or loved one available to help, in-store pick-up has benefits. You don't have to worry about workers damaging your purchase without you realizing it until it's too late. You can go pick up the appliance on your own time, as soon as the same day if it's in stock. No need to wait around at home while your appliance makes its way to you.

Pick-up is also a good choice for lighter items, such as when buying a new dishwasher, which may weigh as little as 60 pounds. If you choose to go with pick-up, any damage in transit is on you. Proper protocols for safely moving an appliance aren't always intuitive or obvious, so be sure to do your research. For example, washer drums should always be secured in a stationary position to avoid damaging the suspension.

Opting for delivery means you don't have to worry about maneuvering heavy appliances, renting a truck, or accidentally damaging your item yourself. You can have the same workers uninstall and haul away your old appliance, install your new one, and even remove the packaging.

However, these services may come at an extra cost, depending on the retailer. At some stores, basic delivery only includes dropping off the appliance at your curb. You have to pay extra if you want them to bring it inside to its permanent home. Other fees may be charged for multiple flights of stairs or appliances over 300 pounds.

The delivery process is also a common source of customer complaints — not only can the appliance itself be damaged en route, but your floors or doors can get dented, scratched, or dinged. To ensure that the damage is covered, always inspect your purchase thoroughly before accepting the delivery.

Delivery remains the most feasible option for many shoppers, especially those buying large or multiple appliances, such as a washer and dryer set. If you choose to go this route, keep in mind that the shipping time depends on what's in stock at local stores; you have a wide selection if you're willing to wait a few weeks. To avoid the pain of waiting around on delivery day, consider going with a retailer that has convenient delivery windows and allows you to track the truck. Look for a store that includes haul-away and installation in the delivery fee; Costco is one popular option.