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How to Protect Yourself From Sudden Price Increases and Supply Delays

April 28th, 2025 | 6 min. read

By Steve Sheinkopf

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How to Protect Yourself From Sudden Price Increases and Supply Delays

I never thought buying appliances could get harder than it was during the COVID supply shortages of 2020—the toughest year in my 39-year history at Yale.

However, 2025 may be worse.

New tariffs add to the risk of major price hikes along with renewed supply chain issues.

In this article, we’ll explain what’s going on, what it means for your project, and how you can shop smarter this year.

Don’t skip the end. It could save you thousands—and maybe more.

Your Two Real Options for Avoiding Appliance Price Hikes and Delivery Delays

The options are extreme, I admit.

But if you choose well, you won’t face delayed deliveries, unexpected price increases, or—worse—lose your money dealing with a company that can’t back up its promises.

  • Option 1: Wait. Hope the tariffs go away or that countries agree on a new trade policy.
  • Option 2: Buy what you need now and not worry about price increases or product availability.

You might also be told to “just put down a deposit” and everything will be fine.

Don’t believe it.

Deposits don’t protect you against price hikes, supply shortages, or worse.

In fact, that advice could end up costing you far more—in both money and time.

What to Ask Appliance Dealers Before Paying a Deposit

These are the questions you want answered—clearly, confidently, and in writing:

  • Do you physically have my appliances in stock?
  • Where will they be stored—and for how long?
  • What happens if my project gets delayed?
  • Will I get a full refund if I cancel?
  • How much warehouse space (not buying group) do you own?

If they can’t answer these questions, I’d recommend walking away.

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What’s Causing the Price Increases?

New Tariffs

price-increases

New tariffs on appliances and parts are expected as early as May.

These increases start at 10% and could jump as high as 167%.

Unfortunately, price increases in this industry often happen immediately, with no advance notice.

For example, True just announced a price increase. Kohler did as well on the plumbing side.

The challenge is that many of the countries facing higher tariffs are essential to appliance manufacturing.

But the bigger problem isn’t always the finished appliances.

The real problem? Parts.

The Bigger Problem: Parts Shortages Could Stall Your Entire Project

Even if you can avoid tariffs on finished appliances by choosing domestic options, there’s another issue: parts shortages.

Motors, compressors, door hinges, control boards—many of these components are made overseas, even for American brands.

When those parts are delayed or spike in cost, it affects the entire appliance. Manufacturers will eventually pass those costs on to you.

2020 vs. 2025: Why This Time May Be Worse for Supply Chains

In 2020, the problem was COVID-related shutdowns and supply chain disruptions. Manufacturers had to scramble to find new suppliers.

supply-chain-slide-36-webinar

In 2025, the challenge is different but just as serious.

Many factories will need to shift their supply chains to avoid tariffs—but that kind of pivot doesn’t happen quickly.

And if enough people try to order ahead of the tariffs, demand could outpace supply—just like we saw in 2020.

True Story: I still remember receiving a thank-you note in 2021 from a customer who waited 18 months for a steam oven—six months ahead of the originally promised date.

Hopefully, reason wins out and the tariffs are rescinded.

But I wouldn’t plan on hope.

How to Stay Ahead of Tariffs, Price Hikes, and Delivery Problems

1. Buy Now: Lock in Today’s Price

It’s not ideal to pay in full instead of leaving a deposit—I get that.

But when you pay in full, the price is locked. Your appliances will be secured and ready when you need them.

You should expect the same from your other vendors as well—whether that’s windows, cabinets, flooring, or plumbing.

2. Free Storage Until 2026

You probably don’t have room to store a house worth of equipment.

That’s why free storage should be a basic expectation from any vendor selling you home improvement products.

We’re offering free storage until 2026. For appliances, that’s not easy to find.

We own and operate the largest appliance warehouse in New England.

norton-yale-appliance-warehouse-interior

Most independent dealers use shared warehouse space and can only hold products for a week.

Box stores? They typically use the manufacturers’ warehouses and logistics systems and can’t hold appliances.

3. Full Refund If Your Project Is Delayed or Canceled

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, projects get delayed—or canceled altogether especially in these uncertain environments.

If that happens, we offer a full refund.

No restocking fees. No penalties. No questions asked.

(I sign the refund checks myself, and I will personally guarantee this.)

The only exception? Special color orders from La Cornue, True, or BlueStar.

4. Unlimited Deliveries for One Flat Fee

yale-appliance-delivery-truck-2023

Our $199 delivery fee covers unlimited deliveries.

You can take your appliances as your project progresses—whether that’s in phases or all at once.

This flexibility helps keep your job site running smoothly.

Your contractor will appreciate not having everything dumped on them at once.

5. Avoid the Supply Chain Chaos of 2020

In 2020, lead times stretched into months—sometimes longer.

As one appliance rep told me at the time: “You can’t make a dishwasher with 19 out of the 24 parts.”

Buying now and storing your appliances means you won’t be waiting for parts—or hoping the supply chain holds together.

Most dealers—local or national—simply don’t have the space to store your order long-term.

Why Appliances Will Be the Hardest to Secure

We invested in a 240,000-square-foot warehouse last year.

Your order is secured there, not scattered across multiple vendor systems.

If someone else promises to hold your appliances, ask to see their warehouse.

Here is our warehouse:

norton-warehouse-at-yale-appliance

Let them show you theirs.

The Big Mistake: Why Leaving a Deposit Won’t Protect You

💸 The Deposit Myth: Why Good Money Goes Bad 

What You're Told

What Actually Happens

A deposit guarantees your appliances. 

Dealers often don’t have the product in stock—and can’t absorb price hikes. 

Your price is locked in. 

Not true. Many dealers can’t honor the original price if tariffs hit. 

Your appliances will be held until you’re ready. 

Without verified inventory and storage, you’re just waiting in line. 

Reality Check: Over 100 independent appliance dealers went out of business last year.

If your appliances aren’t secured and in stock, your deposit is just a promise—and not a very good one.

Even at Yale, we couldn’t absorb a 10–20% price increase on an unpaid order and stay in business.

No responsible dealer can.

If someone says otherwise, make sure your order is actually in stock—and keep checking.

Let them show you theirs.

Let's Break It Down Again

Your Two Choices
Choice Result

Wait and hope for the best.

Risk higher prices, delivery delays, or no product at all. 

 Buy now and secure your order. 

Lock in today’s price, guarantee delivery, avoid the chaos. But you have to buy in advance 

Key Takeaways

This isn’t meant to scare you—but this is happening.

You can always take your chances.

Nothing like this has happened in the past, and hopefully, this goes away.

However, to protect your budget and your timeline, it’s best to secure your order before prices increase or products become harder to find.

Ready to Protect Your Project and Your Budget?

This is a limited-time opportunity tied directly to the timing of the tariff increases. Once the tariffs hit, prices will rise—and storage space will fill quickly.

👉 Contact us today to lock in your pricing and avoid sudden price increases and delivery delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about price hikes and appliance shopping.

What products are affected by the tariffs?

What happens if my project is delayed or canceled?

I’m not sure about my exact timeline—should I still order now?

How does the delivery work if I don’t need everything at once?

Can other dealers offer this kind of price lock and free storage?

Could this help avoid the kinds of delays we saw in 2020?

Additional Resources

Before you spend a dime, learn the facts from over 33,000 service calls, discover which brands are actually reliable, and see how to time your purchase for the best price. More than 1 million people have trusted the Yale Appliance Buying Guide - now it's your turn.

👉 Download Your Free Appliance Buyer's Guide Today.

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Steve Sheinkopf

Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.

Steve has also been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Consumer Reports, The Boston Globe, Bloomberg Radio, the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur, for his knowledge of how to buy appliances and appliance repair.

Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.

Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.

A Note About Pricing

Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.