Have you ever heard of scratch and dent appliances? If you’ve ever gone shopping for home appliances at a discount, you have probably heard of this. If you haven’t, the term refers to large, brand-new appliances that a third-party retailer has heavily discounted. They are unused and function as they were made. Atlanta Appliance Services has put together your guide to buying scratch and dent appliances.
The only thing you’ll find the difference is that the outside packaging was damaged at some time. In some cases, the only thing “wrong” with these appliances is minor and merely cosmetic. Most of the time, any scratches or dents are tiny and not where you can see them.
When purchasing scratch and dent appliances, you are able to find refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and ovens. Most of the time, the appliances are in near-mint condition with just a little scratch. Here is the best news, this makes the prices up to 60 percent off. Now, that may be a deal you can get behind!
There are a few things to think about when getting a scratch and dent appliance. Don’t expect top service and delivery from the appliance store you purchase the scratch and dent appliances from. They will deliver it, but it’s usually just quick and casual; but think about the deal you’ll be getting!
What Scratch and Dent Appliances Are You Looking to Buy?
What you first need to consider is what appliance you want to buy. Think about the features you want and put them on a priority list. *Don’t forget to measure!
Example List:
- French Doors
- Separate Door for Beverages
- Temperature Control Produce drawer
- Water Filter
- Specialty Ice Maker
- Stainless Steel
- Under $1,500
Make Visual Note
When you find something you like, look around the entire appliance to see if there are any visible scratches or dents. If you see any, hopefully, these minor cosmetic defects will be somewhere you can’t see, or it’s an easy fix.
One thing you shouldn’t let slide is broken glass. If you discover an appliance like this, move on to the next one because it’s dangerous, and the controls and screens are expensive to fix. They may fail even after you fix them. It’s safe to avoid this altogether.
Talk To The Store Employees About The Following:
Manufacturer Warranties: As we briefly said before, if the scratch and dent appliance is new, it should have a one-year manufacturing warranty.
Extended Warranties: People aren’t always aware that extended warranties can be purchased at most retail stores. This won’t cover any cosmetic damage to your appliance, but if the product is working, it will protect your investment. You should ask the store associate if the damage is significant or an internal component.
Damage Description: A paper trail is always a good form of security. Make sure you get a written report because that will have more value if the retailer hasn’t posted specific pictures of the appliance before being sold to you.
Storage of Appliance: If a refrigerator is stored or delivered wrong, it can affect the cooling elements, changing how your appliance will function. Also, think about what stores you go to and how the appliances are being stored.
Please make sure they are free of rodents that could have climbed under the appliance and chewed wires. That compromises the function of your future appliance. Also, keep in mind if the store is a climate-controlled room. Suppose appliances are left in hot and uncontrolled environments. In that case, it can change the way they function, causing issues later on, which could result in a repair or replacement.
Consider The Risk os Scratch and Dent Appliances
You can always pose a risk when you purchase from scratch stores if you aren’t thorough in your research. Even if you are careful, you can still end up with an appliance that has expensive replacement parts and repairs. When you have time, search for an extended service plan or an official warranty.
How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel
Many appliances are made from a stainless-steel material. They’re durable and sleek, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get scratches and dents. Below I will list a few different ways you can remove the blemishes you found on your discounted appliance.
Removing Fine Scratches
Most finer scratches can be removed by using a stainless-steel polish like Revere Stainless Steel, Bar Keepers Friend, or Comet. These products are less abrasive; you can find these products at your local grocery store or home improvement store.
Once you have the stainless-steel polish and supplies, you can use an old towel and perform a circular motion over the scratch. As time goes on, the scrapes will become less noticeable. Depending on what kind of fridge you are working with, you may need to apply the polish every day to have a sleek stainless-steel look.
Removing Deep Scratches
When people think of sandpaper, they don’t think of using it to remove hard scratches; it’s more of a DIY staple when it comes to crafts. Wet the sandpaper and use a little bit of polish, and you’ll start to see the scratches fade.
Make note that this buffing technique won’t make a difference on fingerprint-resistant clear coats of faux stainless steel.
Clean and Polish the Scratch and Dent Appliances
Most appliances and refrigerators are made from stainless steel material. They also have durable and sleek finishes, but that doesn’t mean scratches and dents aren’t possible. There are several ways to remove the blemishes you have found on your discounted item.
You first want to remove the unwanted scratches and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the sanded surface. This will remove any leftover polish, water, or metal compounds.
The last step after scratches have been removed is to clean your appliance and apply a final coat of polish.
When polishing your refrigerator, use a microfiber cloth with mineral, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Rub the area continuously until that surface is polished to your desire.
To ensure that your fridge and appliances are extra clean, use vinegar to remove leftover residues. Everything inside your fridge will be clean and smooth to the touch.
Considering The Pros and Cons of Scratch and Dent Appliances
Like many things we buy, there are pros and cons to defective items as well. Now that you have gotten to the end of your guide to buying scratch-and-dent appliances, we want to list a few things to review one last time and consider before purchasing a scratch-and-dent appliance.
The Pros
- Financing is available
- Only minor cosmetic damage
- Some appliances come with manufacturer warranties
- Buying scratch and dent is cheaper than buying off the showroom floor.
The Cons
- You may have to take on a DIY task to make it look the way you want
- Further mechanical issues may happen down the line
Scratch and Dent Appliances and Further Home Services in Atlanta
Atlanta Appliance Services is located in Loganville, GA, and provides services to the surrounding areas. For years in a row, Atlanta Appliances Services has been voted number one in their city. They strive to exceed the expectations of their customers and ensure complete satisfaction when one of their highly trained technicians comes to your home for any appliance repair.