Deals at Scratch and Dent Stores
How to Find Bargains at Scratch and Dent Retailers; What to Look for
Feb 13, 2008
Need a new washer/dryer, dishwasher or refrigerator? A scratch and dent store is worth taking a look at. You can get great deals if you know what to watch out for.
A scratch here, a nick there. Who cares as long as the appliance works, right? Well, yes, to a point. You want to make sure the little dings and dents are in places you won’t notice or won’t care it someone else sees it.
What to Look for at a Scratch and Dent Store:
- Make sure the appliance comes with a warranty. You want to be sure dings and dents aren’t all that’s wrong with the appliance. And if something does go awry, what does it take to get it fixed? Are there authorized service technicians in the area? How difficult will it be to find parts? These are questions you should be asking before you hand over your credit card.
- Get the sales person to show you every defect. Some may not be entirely apparent. The store should have a record of every single defect and make them known to you in writing before you sign a purchase agreement.
- Make sure the difference in price is substantial. If you’re only saving 5 percent and the refrigerator you’re looking at has a major scratch all the way across the door handle, you might as well buy a new model, ding free.
- Check the brand. In this case, brand snobbery is ok. Whirlpool and Maytag have reputations to uphold. A tiny manufacturer you’ve never heard of may be here today and gone tomorrow.
- Do your research before you go shopping. Have your eye on a particular dishwasher? Read Consumer Reports, find some customer reviews, and know what you’re buying. And don't rule out online scratch/dent stores. But watch out for high shipping costs. Also, don’t buy the first item you see at the first store on your list. Make a day of it. Search out every scratch, dent and factory store in your area. In fact, branching out wouldn’t hurt either. Even if you have to drive an hour or two, the savings may be worth it. Just make sure you call ahead to be sure they have what you’re looking for.
- Wait for sales. If you’re not in a hurry, ask the salesperson if there are any sales or specials coming up. That won’t work if you’re looking at a discontinued item, but if the appliance is brand new, you might do better to hold off for a while.
Related Articles:
Where to find the best furniture deals online.
Learn if extended warranties are right for you.
How to take advantage of overstocks.
The copyright of the article Deals at Scratch and Dent Stores in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Deals at Scratch and Dent Stores in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
