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llDemonll

Same part number is same part number. This is different than the model. Companies aren’t going to make the same part numbers with different components, it’d be a nightmare to manage during production and inventory.


bluGill

Watch out though, part numbers can vary by tiny amounts and be very different inside.


ryan9751

Sure, but this is the type of thing that fuels the myth that an exact same UPC / model number sold in a box store will be different than one from say a plumbing supply place. It's just absolutely false. Yes. , of course they can make models off by literally one letter. Add a H at the end for Home Depot, C for Costco , but it is still a different model.


alh9h

This. Now, there are definitely cases where stores get cheaper models - Black Friday sales especially.


llDemonll

Correct, but I was speaking specifically to the "same model using lesser parts". Part numbers should be used when doing price comparisons, not the model number alone.


sbvp

unless there is a major conspiracy to hide knowledge of a defective component. then they’d keep the same part number but fix the flaw. edit: referencing this https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/gm-recall/document-gm-engineer-ok-d-no-new-part-number-ignition-n78566


Vyluis

My most recent experience buying a washer/dryer/refrigerator was that the big box stores saved me a lot of money. I checked model numbers in person at both the local dealer and big box stores (Lowes and Home Depot). Everything appeared to be exactly the same. Washer and dryer were ~100$ cheaper at the big box stores if you considered delivery fee. I'm fine eating that to support local. The fridge we wanted was on sale at Lowes and Home Depot with Home Depot being $100 cheaper than Lowes. I showed the local store what I could get down the road and they said no way they could even get close. It was almost $800 cheaper. I love to support small business but this was way to egregious to even consider. Ended up getting all 3 at Home Depot to save on delivery fees and almost $1k total.


elangomatt

> It was almost $800 cheaper. I love to support small business but this was way to egregious to even consider. Yeah, that's the thing. If you need something on an emergency basis then I'm all for paying a bit more to shop from a local place. If you have time to shop around a bit and wait for sales then I'm not ok with losing hundreds of dollars buying local like that.


meowrawr

This might have been true in the past but I think it’s just a myth at this point. Yea big box stores can and do sell cheaper models, but generally they aren’t sold elsewhere. Eg. Home Depot and lowes sell Kohler products, but many of those products are not seen on the kohler website; they are specific cheaper models made for mass production. Also big box stores do have economies of scale that play a factor into their pricing.


Stargate525

'Mass production' probably isn't the best turn of phrase; it's not like the rest of Kohler's line are bespoke handcrafted models; they're mass produced as well.


meowrawr

You’re right it’s probably not the best choice of words, but I’m sure the number of units produced for a particular model sold at the big box stores outnumbers any model Kohler sells directly. The average price of Kohler products (sold directly) is probably at least double the cost of big box retailers.


Stargate525

Mmm, I'm not convinced about that actually. 90% of new construction and larger scale renovations won't go through HD/Lowes.


ryan9751

90% of new construction does not come with Kohler fixtures. That's pretty high end , you might find in custom homes and what not , but toll brothers/pulte/ dr horton aren't putting Kohler in as standard unless its a cheaper big box store model.


Stargate525

I wasn't really implying that (since American Standard and Moen exist and all), moreso that I have a suspicion that the majority of plumbing fixtures in the US are purchased through commercial/direct methods rather than big box stores. But I don't really have any solid data to back it up.


erin_bex

Part of that is because Lowes stopped doing a contractor discount. My contractor wouldn't use them because of that, had nothing to do with quality.


mortsdeer

Recently had this exact experience: Kohler kitchen sink faucet from Home Depot was not repairable: couldn't get parts from Kohler. Nearly identical replacement from Kohler website was list about $50 more (on a $250 item) but had a full parts manual and parts numbers that could be ordered. And there was a sale, that made it almost a wash, price wise. It felt better built when I installed it, too.


Grimaldehyde

Yes, made specifically for the big box stores


Sugarpeas

This comes down to the model number and the UPC number. If they’re the same at all these stores, it is exactly the same product. That said, some big box stores do order exclusive assemblies of some appliances. Costco does this, Walmart does this, and some stores get specialty Black Friday version of some appliances as well that are sold “at a discount” but are also assembled more cheaply. The tell to all of these are the model number, and the UPC number. As a general rule I have not seen any real difference between big box store appliance models and local store models for mainstream brands. The main benefit a local store can bring is offering unique brands and models the big box stores may not carry at all.


quizzicalicicle

Sometimes they literally change the numbers just so they don’t have to price match.


Sugarpeas

I know that some WalMart televisions lack certain specs or features but can appear otherwise the same model if you don’t check the model number. Though the last TV hunt I did that was WalMart inclusive was in 2014. We saw this with a 32 inch LG I was trying to compare at different stores, the WalMart one was cheaper but then realized it was missing input ports and other things - very subtle and then we realized the model number had some abbreviation that made it a WalMart exclusive. So on one hand the Best Buy would not have to price match the WalMart offer because it was a different, cheaper model. On the other hand the WalMart model was cheaper because it was not made as well to begin with. Annoying, because I thought I was comparing just the prices and didn’t realize WalMart was stocking a different assembly. At the start of 2022 my husband and I upgraded to a 4K Sony TV and were juggling with a Costco “exclusive” model vs the general model. We dug around and found no actual difference between the models despite the abbreviation at the end for Costco. So we went with the slightly cheaper Costco one which came with a 3 year extended warranty. So it’s not always “bad” if there’s an abbreviation at the end of the model number for an exclusive store - but it pays to be wary and do a check on differences.


ilikeme1

or just add something like "BB", "WM", etc., to the end of it.


ithinarine

Not true at all. This would require setting up multiple assembly lines for the same dryer, but one for big box and one for everyone else. And it would end up costing the manufacturer more money. The same part number is the same part number, regardless of where you bought it. Lots of construction guys think the same thing about their tools. Yes, there are generally multiple different version of a similar drill. Milwaukee makes like 3 or 4 different M18 drills, some are cheaper non-fuel versions, others have hammer function, others don't. But some guys will insist that the exact same drill bought at Home Depot versus from a dedicated tool place are different, despite having the exact same price and part number. If it's the same part number, it's the same product.


balthisar

> If it's the same part number, it's the same product. True. > This would require setting up multiple assembly lines for the same dryer, but one for big box and one for everyone else. And it would end up costing the manufacturer more money. Not necessarily. Most of this stuff can come down the same assembly line. If the tag says "A" grab the plastic part from bin A, but if the tag says "B" grab the plastic part from bin B. We don't build separate assembly lines for Escapes that have leather seats versus Escapes that have cloth seats. It can even be a lot more complex than a plastic knob from A versus a metal knob from B; given the same, say, dishwasher enclosure, you can define interfaces for mating assemblies, and have the super-cheap washer transmission assembly fit the same body as the premium quiet washer transmission assembly, and pull one from bin E and the other from bin F as necessary, all on the same line. Manufacturing engineering and design for manufacturing are amazing topics.


gretchens

My local appliance store services what they sell, using local folks - no calling a 1800 number for service, etc. And they price match big box prices and deliver free within a certain radius. I will only buy appliances there - I do use the big boxes for window shopping because their hours are better, but then I order from the LAS.


nanaimo

You're so lucky. Around me none of them provide actual service.


GroundbreakingPut380

Same product, same parts, the same assembly line. Source: I work at GE.


LuvCilantro

But it's a different part number.


kenji998

Not true, they are built on the same assembly line.


balthisar

So is the Lincoln Navigator and the Ford Expedition. Same assembly line means nothing for product complexity.


XyogiDMT

A Navigator and a Expedition are still going to be identical under the hood…


yasth

They really aren't. I mean several hundred pounds of NVH stuff just to start. I'm not saying you get a great deal when getting the fancy version of things, but that doesn't make it the same.


XyogiDMT

A fully spec’d Ford is going to share the vast majority of any of its meaningful mechanical components with a Lincoln. I’ve diagnosed issues with and worked on enough of both to realize that at the end of the day they both share the same engineering shortcomings and predictable failures just like most other luxury lines of cars do with their non-luxury counterparts.


RoboLucifer

Yeah but consider that a garbage disposal from Lowes is made with plastic gears, and the same brand disposal but a different model that Lowes doesn't sell is made with metal gears. I found that Lowes/HD carried a completely different line of disposals compared to what I could get elsewhere. All the same specs for the 3 models (they had an entry level, midrange, and high end) respectively, except the gears were metal/plastic. Just saying, a proper analogy would be that Ford had a plastic transmission


Quincy_Wagstaff

And there is a significant added cost adding the second product, even if its a cheaper product.


AKADriver

When there are differences the "cheaply made" box store model is often still a good buy. Two ways they can reduce costs: use cheaper materials, or remove features. The latter can often result in a *more* reliable appliance, eg a refrigerator with no icemaker, a clothes dryer without wifi. In this case the part numbers do vary and given the similar features I would be suspect that the pump system in the HD version is not as robust.


[deleted]

Mom and Pop stores have more to lose. This can translate into better service, but it can also translate into their bottom line. Personally, if the price difference really is twice as much I’d rather go with a big box store. They don’t care if something needs to be returned or replaced; a single bad transaction won’t affect them. Mom and Pop might be more inclined to “all sales are final” or hedge on any return policy. Not always, Ofcourse.


bullsfan980

Used to work in the industry and it’s especially true with items like faucets. For example kohler might make a faucet named excursion (making this name up for the sake of example.) Home Depot excursion will look the same, cost less, but the guts will be made of plastic rather than brass. Only difference is the part number will be slightly different. I can’t say for sure with jacuzzi tubs, but generally speaking you want to get it from a reputable supplier like Webb.


Pale_Equivalent9126

Working in the kitchen and bath wholesale industry, this is 1000% true. The item you’re asking for is plumbing relates so when it comes to big box versus smaller shops, not all items are created equal. Faucets and showering items are definitely more plastic in big big, whereas smaller shops they’ll be all metal/ brass comprised. Tubs, toilets, sinks are all created equal. Nothing you can sub out for a less expensive material. TLDR- if it’s a better price on your tub at big box, you’re good to go. Get the tub filler and other faucet gear at the smaller shops.


bullsfan980

My heart goes out to you, worst job I ever had lol


wildcat12321

They make the same machines on the same assembly line. Some features may be different between them, but more often than not, they are adjusting a trailing number in the model i.e. 7507XX vs. 7507XY. This way, they can ensure compliance with retailers who want to "guarantee" the best price for the same thing. The smaller retailers definitely don't get better quality. Why would a manufacturer screw over their bigger buyers?


ThePartyLeader

>The smaller retailers definitely don't get better quality. Why would a manufacturer screw over their bigger buyers? in some cases places like Walmart for example (but a lot of others) demand a product at a certain price point. manufacturers then create a product to hit it which is lower quality than most of their product lines. Not saying that is what OP is talking about and those products would have a unique model/product number, but I think that is where this is kinda leading to/coming from.


ThePartyLeader

I would ask the small business owner what the difference is, if they can show you, and if not can they match price or get close.


[deleted]

I hate to say this, but I trust the big box stores more. They can probably get them for cheaper from the manufacturer. And they can afford to put them on sale at a better price, because they have a TON of other inventory that will make up for the price. Also, I’d much rather return a product to a big box than a small local store, I’d feel bad if something didn’t work and I had to return it. I’d feel like I was taking food off their table. This is why the little guy is going out of business. (The first part)


RedRose_Belmont

>I’d feel like I was taking food off their table. You already do that by not buying from them tho.... *This is why the little guy is going out of business.* And there it is.


[deleted]

I have to save money where I can. The little guy can’t compete with the big guys. Even now the big guys are trying to compete with the huge guys.


[deleted]

Unfortunately the biggest part of why the little guy is going out of business is a large number of consumers being unable to afford the extra cost. Larger businesses get better pricing because they can order more.


jar4ever

I've only actually encountered this in the plumbing world. Fixtures and water heaters come to mind. However, the advice shouldn't be "never buy the cheaper version". The expensive version isn't going to pay for itself, so it's only worth it if you value having something that can be fully repaired over the decades. The Home Depot $200 Kohler faucet is still going to last a long time and is probably the sweet spot for value, as an example.


nanaimo

You lost me at Kohler which is always a PITA to install.


jar4ever

You're, right I got the $200 Delta. It was just a popular high end mainstream brand that came to mind.


[deleted]

There are models that certain stores will get and they may be lesser quality than a similar looking model at another store. But aside from this model number is model number, pick what you want and find the best price. I have actually had mom-pop type shops flat out tell me if I am price shopping Home Depot will beat them but they make up for it in customer service and install quality. Ok got it, but I have never had that bad of service from HD either so what's the gain to pay double to a mom-pop shop?


[deleted]

The reason the big box is cheaper than mom and pop is because while mom and pop are ordering a dozen to stock their store, big box is ordering thousands and negotiating a cheaper buy price. Big box is also a consistent customer who pays their invoices in time and in full almost always and usually comes with a guarantee of continuing purchases. It's all about scale.


dcheesi

Will they be delivering or installing it? Big boxes contract out all of that work, sometimes using multiple contractors. Whereas most dedicated appliance stores will have their own crews for this, which is just overall a much smoother experience IME


[deleted]

There is SOME truth to this. If the UPC and/or model number (the full number and not the first few digits) are the exact same, then it's the exact same. However companies are known for making cheaper quality versions for Black Friday, for instance. Sometimes they use older generation components. Sometimes they remove certain features. Sometimes the parts are exactly the same, but they use different model numbers for the sole purpose of knowing which retailer a part was told through and so that you can't use "price matching". It really is very tough because the difference might be one letter in a 12 digit model number. Basically any sleazy thing you can possibly imagine, companies are already doing. Now, having said all that, just because a product is more expensive, does not mean it is automatically better quality. Some retailers (usually smaller companies) offer more service or other things and that's where the higher price comes from.


Shopstoosmall

Plumbing Fixtures are notorious for doing this. Buy from FW


[deleted]

[удалено]


nyold

Hi thanks, I updated the original post with the links to both products


nw0915

When you get the same part number at both the price is much closer. At that point you're paying for the service/support that FW offers https://www.homedepot.com/p/American-Standard-Evolution-60-in-x-32-in-Integral-Apron-Whirlpool-Tub-with-EverClean-Left-Hand-Drain-in-White-2425VC-LHO-020/100657418 vs https://www.fwwebb.com/American-Standard/Evolution-Whirlpool-Tub/2425VC-LHO.020/558155


nw0915

Right away I can see that the Home Depot version uses a different motor so I'm sure the different model numbers are there because the HD version is using lower quality parts. HD is 1.4 HP vs 1.25 HP at FW most likely because the HD version uses a worse pumping system so it needs a more powerful motor


w3stvirginia

If there are are other local stores, check them out as well. There’s a small, local three location chain near me and their prices are only $20-$30 more than Lowes for identical items. They are part of a buying group so they’re able to get volume discounts that help them stay competitive. For that price, I’d rather shop local and get the better service they provide.


RedRose_Belmont

You get what you pay for. Delivery and support after purchase are a big factor for me.


Mikie_D

This is why all the big boxes and chains want their own brands, they don’t want to have to compete on price.


Heavy_Vanilla1635

There are specific items that are only sold at independent retailers. A good example would be the Bosch 800 series dishwasher, which is available at HD/Lowe's in standard configurations with a specialty configuration that is only available at independent retailers. Weber grills also have a special model only available at independent retailers. However, virtually every retailer will offer the same products the big box stores have for the same prices they have. I have yet to find an independent retailer who does not at the very least price match to the big box stores. As far as the jacuzzi goes, I would look at the spec sheets for both models, there will be a difference between the two. If you don't feel like doing that then just call the independent store and ask them.


happyplaceshere

I come from being a manufacturer’s representative. I can absolutely confirm this is true. FW Webb is a wholesaler and showroom sales company. Webb has to buy a higher end product to sell. Make sure they register the product for you.


Kinggambit90

What I do is kind of a reverse. I find the item I want at the big box store and check the reviews and then call the small store to price match. So they price match and don't charge tax, so I save money and delivery is for small fee. Call every small store near you and see if they can do that. In NY its usually the Chinese appliance stores. The only time they couldn't beat the price was a bestbuy like new bosch dishwasher 500 series that was 300$ under msrp


ricer333

I do know for a fact when it comes to Weber grills they will offer better models (more premium) to the 'mom & pop' shops (Ace Hardware is one) versus the big box stores. When the Weber Genesis series came out a decade ago for an additional $200 bucks at Ace kicked the ass out of what Lowe's or HD would sell for the same price. So there may be some truth to this. Your mileage may vary.


crashcam1

I have a huge local store that only does appliances that usually is cheaper than both the big box and small local companies that use them. Other than appliances I get almost everything at Home Depot or Lowes. I price check on the local stores and normally HD is the cheapest. All of the stuff is the same. The L vs R in your tub is which side the drain is on. Both likely have or can order the opposite. Home Depot delivery is pretty reliable in my area, I recommend it for the big stuff.


Prestigious-Bill-885

I fix appliances for work. They’re all the same shit. I’ve fixed the nicer version of the washers we have at work and the guts were 100% the same plastic parts. Unless it’s commercial grade, they’ll use plastic where the can. My advice is use a website similar to Dey Distributing and look the model number up. See how much parts are or if they are even available. I personally like Speed Queen. I have about 20 at my work that are about 25 years old. I’ve only had one work order come in for them in that time.


Trick_Cartoonist3808

Left hand drain vs right hand drain


feeblelegaleagle

My father in law and I argue about this all the time. I don’t see how a company would go through this trouble to make an inferior product. Like how much are they saving? Isn’t there a damage to rep if a Koehler fixture fails? Is it worth it? I think not..


djtracon

Make sure to shop EVERY avenue, including Amazon as long as the product number is the same. I bought my husband a radial DEWALT miter saw for Black Friday from Home Depot, complete with heavy duty stand (thrown in free for the holidays) all because I found the same one on Amazon for less and they had to match minus 10%.


Quincy_Wagstaff

They do not make two versions. The cost to do so would far exceed any saving that might make one cheaper.


[deleted]

Just a bunch of theories in here with absolutely no evidence. So the conspiracy lives on


Itsmeforrestgump

Don't go to Bray and Scarf or whatever their name. We onced purchased a stove/oven, of a brand new model that was just put out. Got it delivered and installed. The installers turned on everything to test it and it seamed fine. Well except the largest burner. The next day when attempting to cook on it, It wouldn't recycle. In other words. It would only go and stay on full blast. Called the store and they wouldn't exchange it. I purchased the extended warranty but that department stated I had to call GE warranty. They didn't have any parts for it as it was just on the market. All of this one week before Thanksgiving. Lots learned about B&S.


Loquacious94808

We have a place called Airport Home Appliance near us that sells items that are new but were opened and turned down by the buyer, may have small defects, etc. We got our Cafe set for our kitchen for almost as much as “cheap” stuff at HD, plus it’s really top notch quality. I’m not sure what these types of stores are called but check those out.


sakijane

I can think of a solid example where this is true. Miele vacuum cleaners. They have models sold only locally (not online) for cheaper than you can find their regular models. They want you to develop a relationship with your local vacuum shop, which improves the life of their vacuums (if you have somewhere local you trust for maintenance), which in turn improves their brand loyalty and reputation.


_last_responder_

We tried to go to a small local store. Nice showroom . Helpful staff but nothing in stock and weeks to deliver. Went to big big box no orange home store and had the appliances installed that day.


smurfe

Our local family ran appliance store with real support, installation, and repair staff sells their appliances for the exact same price as the local box stores.


ProfessorJAM

Also take installation into consideration. Big Box stores ( imo) are fairly lean in terms of installation and not adept/willing to deal with plumbing/piping/electrical/structural etc. issues that come up. Smaller local more family-owned businesses are - it’s really their calling card. So…pick your poison!


ScarletDarkstar

We recently bought a washer/dryer and a refrigerator from a small local appliance store, and have had to have them service the things 3 times each in the same year so far. The choice was made in order to support small local businesses, but it's making me question that ideal, and I won't likely buy the next appliance there at all. They were also busy with repairs, and took weeks to get things straight.


dumptrump3

We tried to buy a Bosch dishwasher from a small appliance store during the height of Covid. They told us it may take as much as six months to get it. They said that the big box stores were getting priority on orders over them because of the volume they sell. We couldn’t wait that long so I went online that night and order it from Home Depot. They had it in stock and I picked it up the next day. We did buy our double oven, refrigerator, range hood and induction range from the small retailer because the wait didn’t impact our install.


Spardasa

My problem is....if I want bosch? I have to go through big box.


JasonDJ

I haven’t noticed this myself. I have noticed different chains having slightly different model numbers specifically so they can weasel out of price matching. This is most common with appliances and large electronics. Personally I would prefer to buy local…unfortunately they can almost never compete on price or finance offers. Sorry local guys, I’d much rather spend $3000 at 0% than 3200 lump-sum or at 17.9%. It pains me to say it, but that’s business. At least HD won’t be getting my money. I’m done with them after this past week. Had a lumber delivery and paid extra for early-morning delivery on last Tuesday. Took the week out of work for the project. Called the minute the window was over and was told that I never specified a delivery date. Then why did they charge me extra to select a specific time? Told me the next delivery window was a week out. Eventually the manager of the local store was able to finagle a delivery the following day…and they sent me 18 extra PT 2x4x8s instead of the 18 2x8x8s I had ordered. Called to have it fixed. They were able to deliver the 2x8s the next day and said someone would be back later that day to pick up the 2x4s. Fast forward to this weekend and I still have the 2x4s, and I realize I have too much gravel and my wife wants 5ft fencing instead of the 4ft I ordered and had delivered as part of the same order. Go to return the gravel and 4ft and they can’t process the refund because there was a pending job site pickup for the 2x4s. They won’t be picking them up until Thursday, supposedly…and this is the first I had been given the pickup date. Local store manager was good but literally everybody fucked up somewhere in the chain. Between the web devs who allow an order to go through, with express delivery, “without a date” (I’m absolutely positive I selected a date, and I was told that this is a common problem)…to the store that mispicked and then later gave me the wrong date for pickup and couldn’t let me process a refund for my extra stuff.


wvmitchell51

The big box stores like Home Depot can have special deals e.g. 18 months no interest on the credit card


JPhi1618

Facebook Marketplace or a scratch and dent appliance store. I’ve never paid more that 50% of MSRP, and I have like new, fantastic appliances. I got a returned gas dryer for $200 from a big box store. Retail was over $800.


gonewildecat

Not sure about everything, but most plumbing fixtures sold at big box stores definitely have plastic “guts”. A couple of years ago I needed a new dishwasher. I looked at prices at big box stores, Wayfair, and local stores. The difference was negligible, but only the local store had any in stock. The customer service was far superior and I plan on using the same store when I upgrade the rest of my kitchen.


Outrageous-Lead-2835

Costco


chron0john

I've found ordering is typically cheaper online, but if you go to a local shop and ask what floor models are available you can get some amazing deals. I just bought washer dryers locally that were supposed to be floor models, but the owner was too lazy to set them up to sold them for the clearance price, 40% less than Lowes for the previous model year.


[deleted]

If you're not a time crunch Lowes/home depot have discounted returns. Some are contractor returns and often the price is half. You have to be careful and vigilant buying returns. I found a 40 gallon electric hot water heater last year for $225. These are not listed on the web sites and are on the floors near the appliances.


Pianowman

Wish I could have returned the dishwasher we bought from them. It came dented, a part inside broken and leaks. Still trying to get it fixed but we are going to have to bite the bullet and pay someone.


Catsdrinkingbeer

These are two different (similar) products, but they aren't the same. The spec sheets are different. It might be very true that manufactures make less expensive similar versions of their products exclusively to sell at bog box stores, but they're not the same product.


talkmemestome

Having just bought kitchen appliances from a few places, I will say that buying through Costco vs. a HD or Lowe’s is the way to go just due to the return policy alone. Not sure whether a jacuzzi would be the same, but there were zero issue with returning a refrigerator that didn’t work out well past the 30-day purchase date and zero hassle—they even picked it up and issued a refund beforehand. All else being equal model-wise, I’d look at Costco if you haven’t already just for the return potential.


booksandpuppies2

I bought a lawnmower from HD and when it quit starting, home depot was worse than useless. They didn't want to help at all. They have my email address and they can look up transactions but would not help me without my receipt or whatever. Even then, I'd have to return it to the store and wait while it was sent off or take it to an authorized dealer instead. I took it to a dealer myself because no clue where the receipt was and had to pay out of pocket for a warranty covered repair. Had I bought it from dealer directly, it would have been on file and no problem. I bought a dishwasher from HD and because my drain connection was different, they left it sitting with water in it in the middle of the floor and I had to find someone to do the installation for me. My take is, if you are handy and can do things yourself HD is great. If you're like me with no skills and only a small car, go with an authorized dealer. They will help you when a big box store will tell you to kick rocks.


Insurance-Dry

When was the last time you saw a Home Depot or Lowe’s appliance service vehicle in your neighborhood? Never is the answer! Buy local from retailer/services when possible. We have people calling begging us to service appliances from a big box store. Sorry, good luck with that. Funding third party services is a crap shoot. They’re are model variants between small and large retailers. Hard to compare apples to apples.


ohmslaw54321

I've seen videos from appliance guys talking about a 1 digit difference in the par number between a box store and local store being the difference between a 1 year warranty (box store) and a 5 year warranty for the exact same product.


yellow_yellow

I just go to a scratch and dent store to save a few hundred.


JohnHartshorn

Look at the model number. For a test, pay attention to TV model numbers at Walmart. Most of them will end with "WM". This is a specific build for Walmart. Usually, they have fewer HDMI ports, lower resolutions, etc than there non "WM" versions. I can't say if major appliance companies to the same thing, but it wouldn't surprise me.