Blog

What are Scratch & Dent Appliances?

by Michael Webster

Young couple seen in a home appliances store in front of a washing machine.

When you first hear “scratch and dent,” there’s a solid chance you might cringe. However, in the retail market, scratch and dent refers to home furniture or appliances that have a few dings or blemishes as a result of shipping, warehouse, and other various damages. The scratch and dent labels are most commonly handed out for cosmetic damages, meaning the product still functions exactly how it should. For the most part, the flawed areas are commonly on the surface of the product that affects nothing more than the visual perspective. In a majority of cases, the damage will be on the sides or towards the back of the item that won’t even be noticed once installed in your home. Since these products are technically considered damaged, you can often purchase them for a greatly discounted price. Scratch & dent appliances are a fantastic way to invest in high-quality home amenities that offer even greater savings.

At a Glance:

What are Scratch & Dent Appliances?

Pros & Cons of Scratch & Dent Appliances

What to Look for When Buying Scratch & Dent Appliances

Types of Scratch & Dent Appliances

What are Scratch & Dent Appliances?

We gave you the basic gist, but to dive into it a little deeper, scratch and dent appliances can range from washing machines to refrigerators, to dishwashers and even sofas. Any brand-new product that is hasn’t been used and still functions as it was designed to, can still be purchased for a discounted price. Ironically enough, the actual product doesn’t even have to be damaged—if the packaging has been damaged during shipping or transit, this qualifies it as a scratch and dent appliance.

Smiling couple holding hands while looking at price tag on washing machine at appliance store.

When you consider scratch and dent home appliances, you can buy a brand-new fridge or washing machine in near-perfect condition for the cost of a discounted, used appliance. Sometimes, you can even snag a killer deal up to 60 percent off its original price. At this point, you’re probably thinking, “there’s got to be a catch?” We’re here to tell you that depending on your specific needs and budget, scratch and dent appliances could very well be the answer your home has been looking for.

Pros & Cons of Scratch & Dent Appliances

For some shoppers, discounted appliances are the best way to go. However, not everyone shares that same mindset, especially with scratched and dented appliances. Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives that come with scratch and dent appliances:

Pros

  • Usually much cheaper than retail price
  • Still includes a manufacturer warranty (for most brands)
  • Appliance damage might not be physical or visible

Cons

  • May run the risk of additional appliance damage
  • Sometimes not visually aesthetic 

What to Look for When Buying Scratch & Dent Appliances

Young woman opens a microwave oven while shopping in a home improvement warehouse.

Before you purchase a scratch and dent appliance, you should find out where and how the product is damaged. If you want the appliance to function properly and still look appealing, you should certainly make a note of these important factors.

Pictures of the Appliance

It’s pivotal to see the product before you buy it so that you can examine the extent of the damage. Seeing any dings or blemishes will give you a clearer idea of what to expect and let you evaluate how to incorporate the (potential) damaged areas in your home.

Damage Descriptions

A paper trail is always a reliable security blanket. When the scratch and dent appliance store hasn’t posted specific images of the appliance, written descriptions are even more useful.  

Manufacturer and Extended Warranties

We briefly mentioned this earlier, but if the scratch and dent appliance is brand-new, it should still be covered for at least one year under the manufacturer's warranty. Also, some customers don’t always realize they can purchase extended warranties at most retailers. This usually doesn’t cover the cosmetic damage, however, if the product is in fine working condition, your investment will be protected if there’s ever significant damage to any internal component.

Types of Scratch & Dent Appliances

Couple choosing a new refrigerator in an appliance store.

Scratch & Dent Cooking

Whenever you’re in the kitchen whipping up delicious eats, we know that convenience is key. And it’s no different when it comes to scratch and dent cooking appliances like a range or oven. With this scratch and dent microwave oven combination unit from GE, you’ll be able to continue cooking up scrumptious meals time and time again with both style and grace; plus, you’ll absolutely love the price tag.

Scratch & Dent Refrigerators

As you explore scratch and dent appliance options, you will certainly find common household brand names when it comes to refrigerators. In some cases, you can even find more high-end scratch and dent refrigerators that sell for thousands of dollars in most retail spaces. Take this scratch and dent fridge from GE, for example; it can provide your home with some of the best food preservation and storage space on the market and bring about a look of luxury ―all at a discounted rate.

A young woman in a store chooses a washing machine.

Scratch & Dent Laundry

Just like refrigerators, you can score some insanely good details on high-dollar scratch and dent washers and dryers. Scratch and dent laundry appliances are always a fantastic option, especially if your laundry area isn’t visible to the rest of your home. With this scratch and dent front load washer from GE, you can enjoy premiere washing performance and features while saving hundreds along the way.

Scratch & Dent Dishwashers

Dishwashers rank as one of the most frequently replaced home appliances, as well as one of the most frequently damaged. For a quality and reliable brand, you can always trust, explore this scratch and dent dishwasher from GE to conquer every after-meal cleanup with ease at a fraction of the retail cost.

Shop Scratch & Dent Appliances at East Coast Appliance

East Coast Appliance is The Discount King, meaning you won’t ever have any issues finding the best prices on appliances, accessories, and the best brand names, all in one place. Shop the best scratch and dent appliances that we available today online or visit us at one of our 10 appliance showrooms in Virginia, including locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Richmond!