GRAND RAPIDS -
The $787 billion stimulus plan was signed about a year ago, and $300 million of that was set aside for a nationwide appliance rebate program. Michigan's rebate program kicked off last Wednesday, and after nine days several local appliance stores say business is booming.
The Appliance Rebate Program is making it hard for Decker and Sons to keep up with the daily demands of business.
Michigan was awarded $9 million for the program, and customers are seeing heavy duty discounts on big ticket appliances like washers, dryers refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Every Energy Star appliance qualifies for a rebate, some add up to as much as $1,000, with additional rebates from the retailers, and manufacturers. With savings on water and electric bills, Customers can really rack up the savings.
"A $380 dishwasher you can get up to $75 off in rebates, and so it'll take you down to $300," said Decker and Sons salesman, Dean Veltkamp. "So it's an unbelievable buy."
"It's had a big effect on the business," said veteran Decker and Sons salesman, Terry Sommers. "It's something I think people were looking for."
For the Gracki family, who found out about the rebate program after they came into the store, the $275 savings on their new washer and dryer was a pleasant surprise. "When you get a chance to get a deal on them, instead of waiting until they break, which could be tomorrow, you can replace both of them and use that savings that way," said John Gracki of Grand Rapids.
Not everyone is sold on the idea of government rebates.
"You can't say that getting money off on some thing is not a benefit to some people," said used appliance salesman Roger Anderson, "But I think overall my kids, my grandkids, are going to be paying for people's benefit now."
But the Gracki's say the stimulus is a good idea, and they're planning a vacation with the extra money. The Decker and Son's sales team says the rebate program is an all around benefit, for businesses, consumers, and the environment.
The rebate also applies to propane and oil furnaces, solar water heaters, and propane water heaters. The state says the appliance rebates will be offered until the end of the year or when funds runs out.
For complete program information & applications:
The Appliance Rebate Program is making it hard for Decker and Sons to keep up with the daily demands of business.
Michigan was awarded $9 million for the program, and customers are seeing heavy duty discounts on big ticket appliances like washers, dryers refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Every Energy Star appliance qualifies for a rebate, some add up to as much as $1,000, with additional rebates from the retailers, and manufacturers. With savings on water and electric bills, Customers can really rack up the savings.
"A $380 dishwasher you can get up to $75 off in rebates, and so it'll take you down to $300," said Decker and Sons salesman, Dean Veltkamp. "So it's an unbelievable buy."
"It's had a big effect on the business," said veteran Decker and Sons salesman, Terry Sommers. "It's something I think people were looking for."
For the Gracki family, who found out about the rebate program after they came into the store, the $275 savings on their new washer and dryer was a pleasant surprise. "When you get a chance to get a deal on them, instead of waiting until they break, which could be tomorrow, you can replace both of them and use that savings that way," said John Gracki of Grand Rapids.
Not everyone is sold on the idea of government rebates.
"You can't say that getting money off on some thing is not a benefit to some people," said used appliance salesman Roger Anderson, "But I think overall my kids, my grandkids, are going to be paying for people's benefit now."
But the Gracki's say the stimulus is a good idea, and they're planning a vacation with the extra money. The Decker and Son's sales team says the rebate program is an all around benefit, for businesses, consumers, and the environment.
The rebate also applies to propane and oil furnaces, solar water heaters, and propane water heaters. The state says the appliance rebates will be offered until the end of the year or when funds runs out.
For complete program information & applications:
- Program Guide for Consumers (PDF)
- MIRebates.com
- Water Heater & Furnace Rebates
- Phone 866-621-8782 or 888-642-4674
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