If you're looking to buy a new major appliance without a major price, consider purchasing a scratch-and-dent appliance. These appliances are brand-new and often come with a complete warranty. The main drawback is that they may be banged up a little. If that is not important to you, then a scratch-and-dent appliance may be a great way to get more for your money. Here are some tips on what to look for before you make a final decision on what to buy.
Decide on What You Want
Like any other major purchase, narrow down what features you want in your new appliance. For example, you may want a smart refrigerator to replace your old traditional one. Or, you may want a more energy-efficient washer and dryer. Search for your replacement appliance like any other appliance search.
Make a list of the appliances that have the most features you want within your budget. You can likely find a reduced-price scratch-and-dent version for many of the appliances on your list. You may be able to find many of these at an online retailer. Most of the time, they are new out of the box and never used.
Do Your Research
Once you've made a list, do your research on those appliances. Check on not only current prices but also warranties and reliability. Make sure the manufacturer's warranty still applies to your appliance even if it has a few dents or scratches. Some manufacturers may not cover these appliances or claim the existing damage caused the problem. Also, talk to the seller about extended warranties or other options related to your purchase.
Examine the Damage
Lastly, examine the damage as much as possible. If you can do it in person, then that's great. You can also examine damage with online purchases through photographs. Sellers usually post pictures of the damage so you can see it before you buy. If you can't see the damage in the listing, ask the seller if he or she can give you a better picture of what is wrong.
Most of the time, these appliances work perfectly fine though they might have an ugly scratch or dent. Even if you have a problem, chances are high that the manufacturer's warranty still covers most situations. Therefore, the risks are minimal and you get a nice appliance to replace your old, out-of-date one. If you are in the market for a new appliance or a scratch-and-dent appliance, contact an appliance retailer for more information.