Buying a refrigerator online for the first time.

[aceu0880]

I ordered a refrigerator from Flipkart for the first time as the price difference is around ₹7k from offline stores here (T3 city). What things should i inspect when it arrives? Also how do i check if the fridge works fine as they recommend not turning it on for atleast 3-4 hours post delivery? I’ve read that once you share the OTP after Open Box Delivery it’s really hard to get a refund or exchange if faulty. Also do i need a stabilizer? Link to the refrigerator
And also will the delivery guys agree bring the fridge to my room (2nd floor) if i ask?

 

[blr_p]

What things should i inspect when it arrives?

Cosmetic damage like dents. Remove box and examine with a bright torch. Any dents mean reject.

Also how do i check if the fridge works fine as they recommend not turning it on for atleast 3-4 hours post delivery?

You cannot for the reason you mentioned. When you do turn it on after that is when you check. Listen for any odd sounds.

Any thing seems off mention it to the 'demo' guy who will show up shortly after delivery. He is also a repair guy.

Ensure you raise the two screws in the front a little so door closes automatically. This also helps coolant flow back naturally to the compressor. Get the demo guy to do it for you.

I have a platform which I place the fridge on as this saves jamming toes when door opens.

I’ve read that once you share the OTP after Open Box Delivery it’s really hard to get a refund or exchange if faulty.

If it is faulty then the demo guy will guide you. It will be a warranty repair. Should not happen but it's there if needed.

Be aware that you have to test and spot problems yourself. Not cooling etc. Put off the demo guy's visit until you have had time to check things and get used to the sounds it makes.

And then bring it to their attention. They won't find the problems for you. The reason you want to do this during demo is you don't pay a visiting charge. After he leaves and then you call him the visiting charge applies. Not a biggie.

Also do i need a stabilizer? Link to the refrigerator

Download the user manual and check.

I would say no and under the q&a of that page the same answer is given. This has been the case for over a decade now with Samsung fridges I think.

The reason is its not advisable to daisy chain stabilisers. There is one in the fridge already. If you then add another in series it's called daisy chaining.

And also will the delivery guys agree bring the fridge to my room (2nd floor) if i ask?

Not guaranteed so have a couple of friends ready. Also bear in mind this is where damage can happen.

You can refuse to hand OTP over unless they bring it up by claiming it has not been delivered

Read this post and after of my own experience.

 

[aceu0880]

You cannot for the reason you mentioned. When you do turn it on after that is when you check. Listen for any odd sounds.

Thanks for such a detailed reply.

So what I should do is:
Inspect for physical damages/dents on delivery -> If everything looks fine, share OTP -> Wait 3-4 hours, turn it on, inspect for odd sounds and check if everything works -> When technician comes tell anything i find odd.

I’ve also checked out your post but unfortunately couldn’t open the audio files you linked. Should i expect my refrigerator to sound almost silent?

I have a platform which I place the fridge on as this saves jamming toes when door opens.

Was it custom made? Can i get one on amazon or flipkart?

 

[blr_p]

So what I should do is:
Inspect for physical damages/dents on delivery ->

Yes

If everything looks fine, share OTP

After your inspection get them to bring it up to your second floor. Help them so it doesn't get bashed anywhere. Once they have delivered it to the exact spot in your house then share the OTP. They are off the hook at that point.

Be polite when you ask them to take it up. They may want a little tip for the effort. I'd pay it. Only if they flat out refuse to take it up then make it conditional. I don't know how this works since my delivery was ground floor.

-> Wait 3-4 hours, turn it on, inspect for odd sounds and check if everything works

Yes

-> When technician comes tell anything i find odd.

Demo guy will call up fairly soon to schedule an appointment. Put him off for a couple of days to check things.

I’ve also checked out your post but unfortunately couldn’t open the audio files you linked.

It was quite a loud irritating sound and obvious. What upset me is the demo guy acted like he didn't even hear it until I gave him a blank look and asked if it was normal. Only then did the bugger fix it.

Should i expect my refrigerator to sound almost silent?

I don't know what an inverter compressor sounds like. Mine was LG's latest 'linear' compressor.

Maybe somebody here with a Samsung inverter compressor can do a recording and post so you know what normal should sound like.

Let's just say it shouldn't sound strange is all I can say or overly loud.

Was it custom made?

Yeah I had a carpenter build it. Think of it like a square table with six inch legs.

Can i get one on amazon or flipkart?

Did your previous fridge have a stand?

 

[nemo_online]

Thanks for such a detailed reply.

So what I should do is:
Inspect for physical damages/dents on delivery -> If everything looks fine, share OTP -> Wait 3-4 hours, turn it on, inspect for odd sounds and check if everything works -> When technician comes tell anything i find odd.

I’ve also checked out your post but unfortunately couldn’t open the audio files you linked. Should i expect my refrigerator to sound almost silent?


Was it custom made? Can i get one on amazon or flipkart?

All brands who sell the fridge also sell that bottom stand. If memory serves correctly, some brands used to give it with fridge itself but nowadays I think everyone charges extra for that. The company rep who will come for installation can get you one or else you'll find it online as well.

 

[aceu0880]

Did your previous fridge have a stand?

We didn’t have a refrigerator for so long that i can’t remember. It’s our first one in a while so I’m pretty nervous and excited.