Mini-split pricing - Internet vs. supply house?

[DB2]

Is there much difference between pricing on "name-brand" mini split equipment pricing (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu) between wholesale supply houses and internet retailers?

I know the internet retailers apply stiff markups to some accessories, but don't know what they do with the major pieces of equipment.

I'm going to be buying two mini-splits shortly (probably Mitsubishi), and wanted to know if it's time for me to cash in a favor an AC guy I kinda know owes me.

Obviously, if I buy locally at a supply house instead of online I'll have to pay tax also, which is 8.25%, negating some or all of any price difference.

 

[JakeKohl]

My experience was, yes, pretty big difference. I was quoted about $2,700 for the same system I bought online for $1,700. Results may vary. The best way to find out is to start calling and get pricing.

 

[brihvac]

Is there much difference between pricing on "name-brand" mini split equipment pricing (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu) between wholesale supply houses and internet retailers?

I know the internet retailers apply stiff markups to some accessories, but don't know what they do with the major pieces of equipment.

I'm going to be buying two mini-splits shortly (probably Mitsubishi), and wanted to know if it's time for me to cash in a favor an AC guy I kinda know owes me.

Obviously, if I buy locally at a supply house instead of online I'll have to pay tax also, which is 8.25%, negating some or all of any price difference.

If your buddy is an HVAC guy, get him to get the equipment from the supply house he deals with because he will get it cheaper than you. Biggest difference is going to be warranty if something goes wrong. Dealing with a supply house, you just go back there. Internet....who knows.

 

[JakeKohl]

That said, I've had a warranty issue that ACwholesalers.com remedied with very little fuss. No, it wasn't as simple as driving down to my local supply house but it was pretty painless.

 

[dellwas]

I'm speaking about Canada, and everything is higher here. However, the prices on the units I looked at were higher locally than online. I was tempted to order, but the problem is in getting someone locally to install an internet unit. Fuji in fact, will void the warranty from an online purchase even if you get a Fuji tech to do it, if you are lucky enough to find one that will.

Had an HVAC guy (does commercial and not residential) tell me that the online distributors often deal with discontinued models. He also mentioned that they are up under one name, then close and open under another. Also, most sites say that you are responsible for shipping back if you run into a problem.

I went local, for the simple peace of mind it gives me to know that the guy who will be installing it is less than 5K away, and the price was by far the lowest I could find. Electrical was also scarrry, they wanted between $400-$600 to install a single line that will be less than 10 feet from the panel! We went with LG, 24K compressor, and 12K and 9K heads for $5000 including all meaterial, electrical, and installation. Taxes extra. Next closest was $5900 with no electrical for $5900 for a Fuji. Keeps getting higher and higher on the other 3 quotes.

 

[RKA]

You have to do the math and decide what that local service and warranty is worth to you. When I was shopping, I had already made up my mind that no matter what I'm sticking with one of the major brands because I have more faith that they will hold up over time without issue. That was going to cost me more no matter what. But buying through authorized channels and having a dealer install the units was going to double the price (or more in some cases). I didn't feel like the warranty was worth that much to me and bought it online. Of course I had to do the work and buy the equipment, so it's not exactly a fair comparison. Worse case, something goes wrong, I figure out what component went bad and replace it.

The warranty is definitely worth something, but I found I went well beyond my critical threshold trying to keep the warranty intact. The math will work out a little different for you since you have access to a supply house (around me they put signs on the door telling homeowners to turn around) and a person that might be able to get a good discount for you. Just run the numbers. I didn't have that option.

 

[RKA]

One more thing...not all online dealers are the same. Some even have technical support from people that know what they are talking about. They know they are selling to homeowners and are willing to help them out post-sale. Some sell current models some might sell older models. And the shell businesses are easy to uncover. Start by checking out their website registrations. You can get a lot of information from a whois search. Also check the local BBB on all the businesses you are considering. And never pay cash, make sure your CC company is between you and them in case you need help. You shouldn't need to resort to that if you did your homework, but it's another form of insurance just in case.

This is all standard stuff if you buy big ticket items on the internet. If it's not for you, then it's not for you.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would hire a local guy to "inspect" your work, do all of the final connections and startup.