Apologies to
@LaatSahab for hijacking this thread - I'll move this to a new thread if you want me to.
So I'm also looking for a new fridge as well to replace my ~12 year old Samsung 430L fridge which has been acting up this summer again (very low cooling, had been giving problems since last 2-3 years). Was looking at around ~700 liters capacity in a side-by-side configuration.
At this point in time I am looking at two models, one each from Samsung and LG.
LG GC-B247SLUV - 687L
Samsung RS72R5011SL - 700L
Went to look at a few showrooms yesterday. All of them were next to each other, so it was convenient. Here's my experience:
- Croma - Fairly large range, clean store. Staff was courteous and showed us their range of side-by-sides. List price of the Samsung RS72R5011SL was 88,000, was quoted a figure of 81,000 after discounts, and possibility of another 6,000 cashback (credited after 90 days) if I opted for a no-cost 6 month EMI on a HDFC or ICICI card. Unfortunately, my ICICI Amazon card was not supported and they did not have any offers on Citibank credit cards, which I have. So effective price for me was 81k. I asked about the exchange of the old fridge (obviously didn't tell him that the old fridge is not cooling satisfactorily), the guy said they would be only able to give something like 1000-1200 for it, and suggested we'd be better off selling it on OLX.
- Vijay Sales - They had the widest range of models on display among all the stores we visited. Unfortunately, sales staff seemed to be uninterested in making a sale. Nobody bothered to ask what we were looking for. Was pretty crowded as well, no social distancing, most masks were worn below the nose. Bad experience, left after a couple of minutes.
- Reliance Digital - Not too many models on display, but staff were attentive and helpful. For the Samsung RS72R5011SL, I was quoted a price of 78,000 after discounts, and they had the same 6,000 cashback if I took it on six months EMI, which I could not avail. Guy said if I was ready to make a purchase he would negotiate with management for 'final best' price, I guess he would give me another 1,000-2,000 discount. Told me that they have suspended any exchange of old models due to COVID, but he could provide me the number of a dealer who buys old electronics and I could talk to him (that is to say, Reliance Digital would not be involved in the old fridge's buyback). They did not have the LG model we were considering and it slipped my mind to ask him. He did take my number and if he calls, I'll ask him the 'final best' price for the LG B247SLUV. This place had the cheapest Samsung quote
- Sargam Electronics - Wide range of Samsung fridges, LG range was a bit sparse, but they had the model we were looking for. Sales staff was helpful. In the earlier stores most staff was neutral when we told them I was looking at LG or Samsung and said we could go for any we liked, but this guy seemed pretty certain that LG is better in terms of quality and after-sales service. Granted the LG model is about 8,000 more than Samsung, but I don't think he was pushing for LG just because it was more expensive. So I guess the brand rankings give by @bssunilreddy are correct. Guy gave a quote of around 88,000 for the LG model, said he would try and match any better quote for the model (I guess he knew we were visiting all showrooms one by one, LOL).
- Standalone LG Showroom - Since they had only LG models, went straight to the B247SLUV and asked for the best price (sticker price was 96,000). Salesman quoted 87,000, plus the same 6,000 cashback offer. As I was leaving the owner/ manager who was listening said he could give it for 86,000 - This place had the cheapest LG quote.
So after the trip yesterday and reading more reviews, I'm almost made up my mind for the LG B247SLUV. It has some stupid ThinQ gimmick, which I can do without, but otherwise it seems good.
Of course I'm also looking at buying online.
Amazon has the LG listed for 90,000. But, I can use by ICICI Amazon card here and get a 5% cashback of 4,500, making it effectively 85,500 - cheaper than the quote given by the retail store. They are also offering buyback of 1,600, so it would come for around 84,000.
Reliance digital has listed the LG for 89,000, with an instant cash discount of 3,000. So effectively 86,000 - no buyback option.
Some other benefits/ vouchers as well, which seem okay.
Flipkart has the same model listed for 87,000. But I can't claim the 5% cashback from the ICICI card there. Surprisingly, they are offering a buyback of
6,000 for my old fridge. I'm wondering why they are doing this and if they intend to find some fault when they come for inspection and deny the buyback. If they do honor the buyback, the effective price would be 81,000 - the cheapest anywhere.
So now I'm confused if
- I should buy online vs. offline
- If online - should I trust Flipkart. Amazon has been my go-to for any high-value purchases, if FK messes up, I'm screwed.
I'm also seriously considering to apply for a regular ICICI lifetime free credit card (I already have a savings account with them) to avail the 6,000 cashback offer that everyone is giving.
EDIT:
@codelad I noticed the lack of egg trays instantly when I was checking out models. I'd say 90% of the models, especially the side-by-sides don't have them, but some of the smaller double doors did (but even this was usually for 6 eggs only - in comparison, my current Samsung has room for 24).