Big discounts on home appliances can be tempting, but is it too good to be true? That’s what Ms. Thanh Tâm from Ha Dong, Hanoi, wondered when she came across incredible deals at local electronics stores, with some products discounted by up to 93%.
For instance, a top-load washing machine with an 8.5kg capacity from well-known brands like Aqua, Toshiba, or Casper was on offer for just 2.9 million VND. The product came with a 2-year warranty and a 1-year exchange policy.
Casper’s 8kg inverter washing machine is on sale with a massive 93% discount.
Deep discounts weren’t limited to washing machines and dryers; other electronics like TVs, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners were also on offer. At Pico, an electronics store, the Electrolux Z1230 16W vacuum cleaner was discounted by 55%, bringing the price down to 1.4 million VND. A Picenza S15Lux water heater was reduced by 45%, now costing 1.6 million VND, and a Philips steam iron was 45% off, priced at just 490,000 VND. Even a 1.8L Kangaroo KG835 rice cooker was on offer, reduced by 49% to 499,000 VND.
At Dien May Xanh, a similar story unfolded, with displayed or pre-owned items discounted by 50-80%. A Samsung Inverter 10kg washing machine was 65% off, now 4 million VND, and a Kangaroo 5-core RO hydrogen water purifier was a staggering 80% off, priced at just 1.98 million VND.
HC Supermarket also joined the fray, offering a Sharp 4K 70-inch Smart TV at a 70% discount, now 14.9 million VND. A Bosch dishwasher was reduced by 53%, costing 22.8 million VND, and an LG Inverter 217L refrigerator was 43% off, now just 5.1 million VND.
Ms. Tâm was intrigued but skeptical about the extremely low prices. “A 95% discount on a washing machine—what’s left of its value? How long can I even use it for?” she wondered.
Mr. Phan Văn Bản, owner of an electronics store in Cau Giay, Hanoi, clarified that these heavily discounted items were display models. “They are genuine products that customers can try out in the store. Since they are not in their original packaging or boxes, they are sold at a lower price. When a product is discontinued, there’s no need to display it, so stores sell them off at clearance prices,” he explained.
In addition to discounts and gifts, electronics stores are even offering free installation and delivery for TVs, but customers remain hesitant.
It’s not just display models; brand new electronics are also seeing deep discounts, along with attractive promotions. (Screenshot from Media Mart)
Mr. Bản added that, in addition to not having their original packaging, some display items might have scratches or minor cosmetic flaws. They may also be missing their boxes, accessories, or manuals.
Mr. Lưu Bình, an experienced electronics and appliance repair technician in Hanoi, offered his perspective on whether it’s a good idea to purchase these heavily discounted items. “For displayed electronics like TVs, amplifiers, speakers, and phones, it’s best to be cautious. Since they’ve been continuously running, their quality and lifespan may have diminished,” he said.
“On the other hand,” he continued, “for appliances like washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators, a minor cosmetic imperfection might not be a deal-breaker if the functionality is intact, the store offers a good warranty, and the price is right. These items are rarely turned on during the display period, so their quality and lifespan are usually unaffected.”
