Scratch and Dent Appliances: Getting the Best on a Budget

Why Scratch and Dent Appliances?

Everyone wants the best; the brand new car, the latest video game, the newest iPhone. Unfortunately for all too many of us, the best is just a bit out of our price range. What’s the answer? Upstanding citizens of the world can’t very well go out and steal coveted washers and dryers. But what if there were a way to get a new dishwasher at a discounted price that could only be described as theft? Would you be interested in that? Well then maybe for you, it’s time to consider scratch and dent appliances shopping.

What is scratch and dent appliances?

Scratch and dent is pretty much what it sounds like. When manufacturer ships a new line of refrigerators let’s, there is a certain amount of risk that goes along with it. Some units might get damaged in the process of getting them from point A to point B (or even C, D, and E). So what does an industrious retail or product manager do with items unfit for regular sale? They greatly reduce the price on these undesirables, or they sell them to a third party that offers the products at a similarly reduced price. Sometimes the appliance doesn’t have a scratch or a dent. Sometimes they are floor models that have faded in color due to excessive use and exposed. Indeed, floor models offer some of the best opportunities for savings with little to no damage to the unit.

Read About Used Appliances Here.

Why are scratch and dent appliances right for you?

Even those of us not suffering from clinical OCD, do not necessarily want a new washing machine with a big dent on the front of it. But what are we talking about? Often these blemishes are barely noticeable. Let’s say that the scratch is particularly noticeable or even unseemly. What are we talking about? Name your price. At what price point would you be able to overlook a flaw in order to get an otherwise highly functional, sleek looking piece of the future? The savings that can be made on many scratch and dent appliances are usually around half the original retail cost, but they can be as high as 90% or more. Do a quick Google search and you’ll see just how cost effective scratch and dent appliance shopping can be. Also, some scratches and dents magically disappear after installation. Obviously, they don’t really disappear but become blocked from view from the side or back of the appliance. Due to the imperfection, however, they cannot be sold as brand new items. Or maybe you take it upon yourself to fix the problem. Many paint-based blemishes can be fixed by any old Joe or Jane with a rubbing compound.

What’s the downside?

Other than the gossip from Betty down the street about your new oven with the white mark in the corner, what’s wrong with scratch and dent? There are a few things you need to be careful of when considering scratch and dent appliances shopping. Who’s selling the appliances? If a big retailer, such as Sears, is offering greatly discounted prices on appliances at one of their outlet stores, you have to make sure to read the fine print. Sometimes scratch and dent items do not have guaranteed warranties. But If you’re careful enough you can still get your appliance in all its dinged up glory, with a full or even extended warranty. Another possible problem is buying a scratch and dent appliance that also has an operational malfunction. Sometimes these items are damaged coming off the truck or being removed from the storeroom floor. It’s important to know the history of the damage to ensure functionality. There is another option. Remember the third parties from before? Many companies buy scratch and dent appliances from major retailers for an even greater reduced wholesale price. So even if the retailer won’t honor the warranty on the item, or you’re worried the item won’t work properly, the new company can offer warranties and run tests to ensure functionality on everything they sell. This protects you from a possibly unfit machine while still saving tons from the original retail cost. Sounds like a win/win, right?

Protect yourself.

Every problem in the world could be solved by doing a little more homework, right? Well maybe not, but bargain shopping, especially scratch and dent appliance shopping can be. All you need to know how to do is compare prices. Go to the outlets, browse through the lists of online resellers, and do your homework! The beauty of appliance shopping is you can write down the unit number and find it anywhere online in the blink of an eye. Many online stores will even list the savings you’ll receive from them on your scratch and dent appliance. The benefit of buying from a brick-and-mortar shop is that you’ll be able to investigate the appliance yourself.

Give it a Try!

Many of the best bargain shoppers out there will tell you that scratch and dent shopping is the only way to go. By saving on the first appliance, you can afford to get the next one; and, so on and so forth. If you run into a problem and the appliance breaks down, you’ve already saved hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That means you have the money to buy another. Retailers and especially showroom floor salespeople may not want to talk about their scratch and dent appliances as much as the new models, but they’re also relying on you keeping your mouth shut about it. So speak up, ask, demand to know all of your options before throwing down your hard earned cash on that new microwave. Start out by looking for something smaller, less expensive and give it your best college try. See how much you can save by investing a bit more time and energy into looking for the right appliance. We all want to have the best. Isn’t it time for you to start having your cake and eating it too?