What Abt Electronics Is
Abt Electronics is a major appliance and electronics retailer based in the Chicago area that sells refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, TVs, and other household items both in physical stores and online. The company has been operating since 1936 and operates several locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, plus a nationwide online store. Unlike some appliance retailers that focus only on one brand or category, Abt carries multiple manufacturers and price points in each product type.
When you shop at Abt, you can browse in person at a showroom, order online for delivery, or use a combination of both — many people look at items in the store and then order online, or check availability online before visiting. Abt handles its own delivery and installation for most appliances, which means the same company that sells you the washer also brings it to your home and sets it up.
Key Takeaways
- Abt sells appliances and electronics through physical showrooms in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and ships nationwide through its website.
- The company offers delivery and installation as part of the purchase process, and you can schedule these services when you order or buy in person.
- Abt provides financing options through third-party lenders, allowing you to spread payments over time rather than paying the full price upfront.
- You can return most items within a set window, though the return policy varies by product type and whether the item has been installed or used.
- Abt's pricing and selection change regularly, so checking the website or calling a store directly gives you the most current information about a specific model.
How to Shop at Abt in Person
If you live near an Abt location, visiting a showroom lets you see and compare appliances side by side. Abt stores display working models of refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, and other major appliances so you can open doors, check interior space, and understand the size and finish before ordering. Staff members can answer questions about features, energy use, and how different models compare.
When you find something you want, you can purchase it in the store and arrange delivery and installation on the spot. The salesperson will take your address and phone number, confirm what day works for delivery, and let you know whether installation is included or costs extra. Some items like TVs or smaller electronics may be available to take home the same day, while large appliances typically arrive within a few days to a couple of weeks depending on stock and your location.
Ordering Online and Delivery Options
Abt's website shows inventory, prices, and product details for items available to ship nationwide. You can filter by brand, size, color, price range, and features — for example, searching for "French door refrigerator under $2,000" or "front-load washer with steam cycle." Each product page includes dimensions, warranty information, customer reviews, and sometimes video demonstrations.
When you order online, you choose a delivery date during checkout. Abt charges a delivery fee that varies by location and item size; this fee appears before you complete your purchase. For most appliances, Abt's delivery team will bring the item into your home, remove packaging, position it in the room you specify, and connect it to water or gas lines if needed. You can ask questions about delivery details by calling the store or using the chat feature on the website.
If you order an item that is out of stock, Abt will show you the expected arrival date. You can still place the order and schedule delivery for when the item arrives, or you can wait and order later when it is back in stock.
Financing and Payment Methods
Abt offers financing through third-party lenders, which means you can spread the cost of a large purchase over several months or years instead of paying the full amount upfront. The financing terms and interest rates depend on the lender and your credit, and Abt will show you the monthly payment and total interest before you confirm the purchase.
You can also pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Some promotions offer zero-interest financing for a set period — for example, "no interest if paid in full within 12 months" — but you must meet the payment important date to avoid interest charges on the full original price. Read the terms carefully, because missing a payment or paying late can trigger interest retroactively.
Returns and Warranty Coverage
Abt allows returns within a certain timeframe, though the window and conditions vary by product. Electronics like TVs typically have a shorter return period than major appliances. If you return an item that has been delivered and installed, Abt may charge a restocking fee or deduct the cost of removal and reinstallation from your refund. The exact amount depends on the product and how long you have owned it.
Most appliances come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects for one to several years, depending on the brand and part. Abt also sells extended warranties that add coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty. An extended warranty might cover accidental damage, parts, or labor for a longer period. The cost and coverage details are shown at checkout, and you can choose to add one or skip it.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before ordering or purchasing, confirm the dimensions of the appliance and measure the space where it will go — a refrigerator that is too wide or tall will not fit, and returning it after delivery costs money. Check whether the item requires special connections: a gas range needs a gas line, a washer needs hot and cold water hookups, and some dishwashers need a specific type of drain connection.
Look at the energy guide label, which shows the estimated yearly cost to run the appliance. This helps you compare models — a more expensive refrigerator that uses less electricity might cost less over time than a cheaper one that uses more power. Read customer reviews on the Abt website to see what actual buyers say about reliability and performance, especially for less familiar brands.
If you are ordering online, check the delivery date and make sure someone will be home to receive the appliance. Abt typically requires access to the room where the item will be installed, and the delivery team may need to remove doors or move furniture to fit large items through doorways.
Contact and Store Information
Abt's website includes a store locator showing addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each location. You can call a store directly to ask about a specific model's availability, current price, or delivery timeframe. The website also has a chat feature for online shopping questions and a customer service phone line for issues with orders or returns.
If you are shopping online and have questions about a product, the website usually shows whether you can chat with someone in real time or whether you need to call during business hours. For delivery or installation questions, it is often faster to call the store nearest to you rather than using the general customer service line, because local staff know your area's delivery schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return an appliance after it has been installed?
Yes, but Abt may charge a fee for removal and reinstallation, and the refund will be reduced by that amount. The return window and fee structure depend on the product type and how long you have owned it. Contact Abt directly with your order number to learn the specific terms for your item.
Does Abt deliver to my area?
Abt ships nationwide through its website, but delivery fees and timeframes vary by location. Enter your zip code on the product page or during checkout to see the delivery cost and estimated arrival date. For areas far from Abt's distribution centers, delivery may take longer or cost more.
What if the appliance arrives damaged?
Inspect the item when the delivery team arrives and point out any damage before they leave. Take photos if possible. Contact Abt when ready with your order number and photos; the company will arrange a replacement or refund. Do not sign off on the delivery if you see damage.
Can I buy a floor model or display item at a discount?
Some Abt locations offer discounts on floor models or items with minor cosmetic damage. Call your nearest store to ask whether any floor models are currently on sale. These items are usually final sale and cannot be returned, so inspect them carefully in person before purchasing.
How long does delivery usually take?
Delivery timeframes depend on whether the item is in stock and how far you are from an Abt location or distribution center. In-stock items typically arrive within a few days to two weeks. The website shows the estimated delivery date before you complete your purchase, so you know the timeframe before you order.