Prowl for scratch and dent sales

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A new appliance at a huge discount with full warranty is a fantastic bargain. One little bump, bang, or ding in a retailer’s warehouse may be all it takes to change an immaculate refrigerator, dryer, or food processor into a scratch-and-dent item. And, lucky for you, that item will probably find its way into a clearance section or outlet store and sell for a fraction of the suggested retail price.

Think about it. What if the side panel of a new chest freezer has a long scratch? Where do you plan to keep the freezer? In your garage or basement? A scratched freezer will keep things frozen as well as its perfect twin.

Scratch-and-dent appliances are worth prowling around for, but make sure you prowl in the right places. Many retailers have departments dedicated to the sale of returned and blemished items. Others have their own outlet stores. Sears is one of the best known for bargains at its outlets, but Sears isn’t alone. Try Home Depot, Lowes, or Circuit City – any retailer that carries appliances. Call the retailers in your area to see what they do with scratched-and-dented, blemished, returned, or clearance appliances.

Other places to look include appliance rental and thrift stores. Don’t overlook free newspapers, shoppers, and bargain bulletins. People who deal in scratch-and-dents often advertise there.

Smaller appliances, like mixers, blenders, irons, and coffeemakers, used as display models may end up in clearance at department stores because shoppers have handled them. Be sure to understand the sale conditions of scratch-and-dent items. They’re often sold “as is” but usually come with a full manufacturer’s guarantee.


All the best,



Timben