where to get a good deal on an insert

I stopped at 6 different stove shops and found that quality costs. I'd say find what fits your needs and haggle as best you can.

I ordered this one, free shipping, add $180 for the door.

http://www.homeclick.com/web/catalo...k2omdOvimY5yb54dJgdRWRz0ZzjlwEh1YA;&x3d;&x3d;

An important question becomes installation and handling, etc.

Only a minority of folks are able to take delivery of 400 lb units, line their chimney and properly install the job. If you count yourself in that group, and don't care about dealer service, then you can shop around.

I should mention a couple unpleasant experiences with Homeclick and the dozens of "fake" web sites that they maintain all selling the same products. When I visited their place, I was a bit shocked by their telephone "hold" times and other stats. But, again, if you don't need any service or questions or installation, then you have wider options. I did order something (a drill) from them once, and they delivered as promised....so I really can't complain too bad.

I know some people hate haggling but if you explain to your dealer you're on a budget you can usually get a fair reduction in price. My dealer gave me a good deal and I agreed to do all the footwork except for all but the most basic support and warranty claims. It's worked out well.

Unless you are a very handy person having a great dealer in your corner is invaluable. Just a couple of weeks ago I got in a tizzy because I thought I had screwed up my baffle and my dealer stopped by one day and remedied the situation free of charge.

A decent deal if that firebox size is fine for you - 1.3 cubic feet - in a non-cat, this usually means a stove that burns hot and fast...puts out lots of heat, but longer burns are tough. We had a few members who had problems with these steel units last year (welds broke), but I suspect that was the exception rather than the rule, since we have heard no more about it and there are happy Century owners here.

I used to work at a Home Depot a while back, they can special order ANYTHING from any vendor they deal with. I had a kid once come in looking for some Stanley angle brackets he found on some web page. His printout had a part number on it so I called up the vendor and got the info for a special order. No big deal. You just have to find the person at the special service desk who is not an idiot, this can be the hard part sometimes.

jtp10181 said:

You just have to find the person at the special service desk who is not an idiot, this can be the hard part sometimes.

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QFT!


-SF

Mike should be along before to long and he will be able to hook you up with dealers in your area

newbie 08 said:

I have a sweep who will install the new insert plus liner for ~1300 including the price of a 15 foot liner. Does this sound reasonable?

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It sounds like a very good deal. Chimney Liner Depot has been selling the Drolet insert for the past couple months with free shipping and a liner kit. link here

That deal was $1,499 during November and December and is now $1,699 with no install. The Homeclick deal on the Napoleon 1401 is also more although I think it comes with a door this time.

newbie 08 said:

Where can I find an engalnder insert for sale. Home depot has the 13nc free standing stove and lowes has the summers heat version but neither place has the 13NCI which I think would be a good stove for me at a good price. Anyone know where I can find one?

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depot and lowes as well as ace or tru value can order one in for you. but they are not "stock" items in any of those chains. if you run into any problems with any of the above mentioned vendors, have the store call my sales dept at 800-516-3636 and one of my sales reps will assist them in placing your order. if you want any technical info on the unit feel free of course to contact me directly i'd be happy to assist myself however i can

Coming from a guy that spent six and a half years at a neighborhood hardware store... Give your local Ace or True Value guy a shot. The little guys need your support.

-SF

Go to the ESW website and look at the dealer list for your state. You may find an independent dealer looking to make a quick sale.

I haven't tried this yet but I saw it mentioned on this site.... On EBAY they are selling Home Depot 20% off coupons. My understanding is that HD gives these coupons to their employees to use but most Lowes stores will also accept them from anyone including EBAY buyers.

Has anyone here used those coupons at HD or Lowes?

I'd print out this page and take it with

http://www.englandsstoveworks.com/13-nci.html

It also lists part numbers for upgrades and accessories you might want.

newbie 08 said:

anyone know anything about this one? Saw it at menards for 799 and the liner for 300. I would hire a chimney sweep to install. http://www.vermontcastings.com/content/products/productdetails.cfm?id=89

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I looked at that one also before buying my Regency and there is no comparison. The firebox is quite small and the quality was quite flimsy. Menards had it out on display and I could see all around it. There was sheet metal on it somewhere. I then went to a few stove shops and quickly made up my mind that I wanted a quality stove. My Regency is all welded plate steel. It's an appliance that is going to be in use for many years to come. Not to mention I wanted it to perform well. It's like buying a Yugo and wanting the performace of a Mustang (not to offend any Yugo owners out there : ).

That's a good deal on the stove and the install. I doubt they are insulating the liner for that price though.