IS 0% FINANCE REALLY WORTH IT?
When renovating your kitchen, the appeal of 0% finance deals can be pretty tempting.
After all, who wouldn't want to spread the cost of a beautiful new kitchen without paying any interest?
However, the truth is less rosy.
Despite what many kitchen companies may advertise, the reality is that these offers are not always as beneficial as they seem.
The True Cost of 0% Finance
The allure of 0% finance is straightforward: it suggests you can get a new kitchen without paying extra in interest charges.
However, as the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Businesses offering 0% finance are not charitable organisations. They need to cover their costs somehow, and they do this by increasing the price of the kitchen itself.
In other words, you are likely paying for the privilege of 0% finance through a higher overall price for your kitchen.
How Companies Recoup Their Costs
Kitchen companies need to ensure their bottom line remains healthy, and one way they do this is by incorporating the cost of financing into the price of their products.
This means that the kitchen you are buying on a 0% finance deal may be marked up significantly compared to a kitchen paid for upfront. Essentially, you are still paying interest; it is just disguised as a higher purchase price, and what may surprise you is that even if you don't take up the finance, companies that offer the finance will mark up all of their kitchens to make up the finance costs, and so avoiding companies that offer finance all together is the safest option if you don’t want to pay more than you should be.
Alternatives to 0% Finance
So, what can you do to avoid falling into this trap? The most straightforward approach is to save up for your kitchen renovation. By doing so, you can ensure that every penny you spend goes directly into the quality and features of your kitchen rather than covering hidden finance costs.
If saving isn't feasible and you need a bit of extra help, consider using a credit card with an interest-free period. Many credit cards offer introductory 0% interest on purchases for a set time, typically ranging from six to twenty-four months. This can provide the flexibility you need without inflating the price of your kitchen. Just make sure to pay off the balance before the interest-free period ends to avoid interest charges.
Invest Wisely in Your Kitchen
By avoiding the inflated costs associated with 0% finance deals, you can allocate more of your budget to high-quality features and appliances that will enhance your kitchen's functionality and aesthetics.
For example, instead of paying extra for the convenience of 0% finance, you could invest in a state-of-the-art Quooker tap, which provides boiling, hot, and cold water instantly – a truly modern addition to any kitchen.
Don't let the allure of "interest-free" financing lead you into spending more than necessary on an overpriced kitchen. Instead, make wise financial decisions and invest in features that genuinely enhance your kitchen's value and functionality.
If you'd like to get an estimate of the cost of your dream kitchen, book an appointment with one of our design team members.
