How Our Team Manages Nationwide COVID-19 Appliance Shortages

Then vs Now: How Nationwide Appliance Shortages Have Changed the Buying Process

COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on every level of society, including the appliance industry. From the manufacturer and factory level to transporting the appliances to stores, there are many new challenges in getting appliances into people's homes.

Today, things are different. Our store is far from empty, but the overall variety of items is more limited - we still have washers, stoves, etc, but there are fewer models to choose from. In addition, manufacturers are struggling a lot more to fulfill orders.

Instead of taking 1-2 weeks, backorders can now take a month or more to arrive. We have a lot less certainty about when appliances will be available. A backorder might be fulfilled in six weeks... or it might be six months. Although the situation has slowly been improving since last year, in many cases, we just don't know. This is why we're focusing on items that have a confirmed truck delivery to our warehouse and trying to avoid placing backorders wherever possible.  

How We're Handling This Better Than the Big Box Stores

1. We have our own warehouse. Not all Big Box Stores keep a warehouse of products on hand - what you see in the store is what you get. Our warehouse gives us the space to stock up on crucial products.

2. We have real-time information on current and incoming stock. We are member owners of one of the largest appliance distribution centers in the US (located right here in Massachusetts) and we keep a careful eye on confirmed order delivery dates from manufacturers. In our system, these confirmed orders have a set time when the truck will be arriving. So we have a good idea of what will be in stock in the coming weeks.

3. Our sales staff will go above and beyond to help you find the products you need! We won't leave you out to dry if the product you want isn't in stock. We'll help you find an alternative that will work for your needs. We've been in this business for over 65 years, so we know what we're doing - we understand the products and the industry.

What We Can Do to Help You

Which of these situations best describes what you're looking for?

• I need an appliance NOW. - Our amazing sales team is here to help! The best case scenario is that the item you want is in stock and can be delivered ASAP. If that doesn't work out, we will help you find a substitute that's in stock.

• I want more options to choose from, and I can wait 1-3 weeks for my appliance. - We'll access our warehouse deliveries in real time and check which product orders have been confirmed for the next 1-3 weeks. 

• I'm willing to wait an undetermined amount of time for my appliance. - This isn't optimal, but if you're willing to take on the risk and uncertainty then we will put in the order. We will call as soon as the product comes in. If you want an order update, we ask that you wait at least 60 days before contacting us. Remember, 60 days is just a guideline; it could come in sooner or it could take months longer. Rest assured that if it does come in prior to then, we will contact you immediately and schedule delivery.

If you're shopping on our website, you can sort by products currently in stock using the Availability options in the left menu after you search for a product. This allows you to filter search results by items that are in stock now. That being said, products that are in low stock or not currently in stock may have upcoming deliveries, so if you see a product you really like, please contact us and we'll be happy to check if it's going to be restocked soon.

Ways to Contact & Shop With Us

If you are unwilling or unable to come to the store, we offer complete appliance sales and service support through phone, email, and Facebook Messenger. You can contact us through the following options to get a quote, find out more about the appliances you're considering, schedule a repair, and more.

You can also browse our online product catalog and make purchases online. We'll give you a call to confirm the purchase and finalize delivery details!