ᐅ Experiences with Online Kitchen Showrooms

Tip: Instead of deducting electronics, it’s better to negotiate a discount on the electronics.

With typical home electronics like computers, hi-fi systems, TVs, and similar items, retailers usually work with very slim margins. However, it’s different with major kitchen appliances—cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, range hoods, refrigerators, and so on—which offer great discount potential for suppliers. Since the manufacturing differences between basic and top models are minimal, and retail margins do not remain consistent across the range from basic to premium, the likelihood of getting a discount increases with the "premium" classification.

hampshire schrieb:

Tip: Instead of deducting the cost of electronics, it’s better to secure a discount through the electronics.

All the kitchen quotes we received did not include the individual prices for the appliances. When I checked the model names, I was quite surprised. The selected induction cooktop alone costs between 3200 and 3600 euros (about $3,400 to $3,800) online. I don’t remember exactly how much was charged to us, but it definitely didn’t start with a 3.

The kitchen consultant also said this is because we are taking all the appliances from one manufacturer (Siemens Studioline). Whether that’s true or not?!

Yaso2.0 schrieb:

The selected induction cooktop alone costs between 3200 and 3600 euros online. I don’t remember the exact price we were quoted, but it definitely didn’t start with a 3.

For us, all the appliances were also cheaper than in retail.

By the way, I know the golden rule when buying a kitchen (standard appliances): half the budget for cabinets, half for appliances. Otherwise, you end up with an unbalanced value ratio.

hampshire schrieb:

Tip: Instead of subtracting electronics, it’s better to secure a discount through the electronics.

With typical home electronics like computers, hi-fi systems, TVs, etc., retailers usually operate with very small margins. For major kitchen appliances, however, it’s different – cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, range hoods, refrigerators, and the like offer great opportunities for discounts. Since the manufacturing costs between basic and top models hardly vary and trading margins differ from entry-level to premium, the likelihood of getting a discount increases with the "premium" classification.

I can generally confirm this. I worked in an electronics store myself, specifically in IT. On a €3,000 (approx. $3,200) laptop, the margin was sometimes only €80 (approx. $85).
For washing machines and similar appliances, especially from less popular manufacturers (like Gorenje and others), margins could easily reach 100%.
Because of this, the store manager was always very keen on selling the promotional products rather than brands like Miele or similar. Miele generated much higher sales revenue but significantly less profit, despite having a retail price up to three times higher.

You had EUR 3 million worth of laptops? That you had to buy for EUR 80 less each? That’s a real cash flow killer.
It’s fortunate that you got the washing machines for free then...

In my experience as a customer at kitchen showrooms, it was usually the other way around. You’d get a maximum of 20% discount on appliances, but on the recommended retail price / list price, and an amazing 60% discount on the furniture.
Maybe the appliances I chose just weren’t premium enough.

Tolentino schrieb:

You had laptops worth 3 million EUR? Which you had to buy for 80 EUR less each? That’s a real killer for cash flow.
It helps that you got the washing machines for free...

My experience as a customer at kitchen studios was more the other way around. On electrical appliances, a maximum of 20% discount—but that’s off the RRP/list price—and on the furniture an amazing 60% discount.
Maybe my chosen appliances just weren’t premium enough.

Typo, just ignore the “K.” Three thousand EUR for an Asus laptop and only an 80 EUR margin.
That’s how it looks in the IT market. Smartphones are the same. The price competition is brutal. I’ve heard things like: “Amazon charges 10 EUR less—will you match that?”
And that’s for devices priced around 600 EUR (about $650) or more.
But first, make sure to fully use the consultation. Touch everything, try everything, etc.