Scratch and Dent Appliances

[Celebrator]

Wanted to bring another question to my favorite local consumer resource: OKCTalk...

Need to replace the upright freezer I have in my garage for overflow food items for the family (really couldn't live without it) and I want a new one (meaning no Craigslist, etc.) however, I would be okay with a scratched or dented model and was wondering where to get one like that or at least where I can get a perfect new one for cheap. Would really like to have home delivery and removal available as well.

So where would you shop for something like this? Who's got the deals?

[BBatesokc]

Often, scratch and dent discounted models don't include delivery and removal of the old unit - adding those charges can negate the savings in some cases.

That said, I've gone to places that 'specialize' in scratch and dent and never found their deals to be that great. When I was young and single my roommate and I bought a frig/freezer from a used warehouse place and they did deliver. However, 15 minutes after they set it up we noticed several roaches coming from the unit. We unplugged it, set it on the curb, called and canceled our check and called the place we bought it from and told them to come get it if they wanted it.

Since then, I still look for great deals, but avoid used. If you're not in a hurry and don't mind window shopping, I just like to hit the usual big box places (home depot, lowes, sears, Sam's) and wait until they clearance something, sell a display or have a scratch and dent. I've bought a few freezers over the years from Sam's club that were either returned or had a dent from a forklift, etc.

Best deal I ever got on a frig was from Metro Appliances. Several months after Black Friday they were still sitting on some very nice three door units they over bought. We got it brand new for $900 less than we could have bought it anywhere else.

Hahn has a scratch and dent warehouse in Tulsa. Not sure about OKC.

[kevinpate]

Last fridge and last upright freezer we purchased each came from Lowe's. We shopped around and simply didn't find anyone close who could also get it done on our timetable. This was 06 and 08.

Prior to that we had actually never bought new except for a washer. We lived apartments early on and for many, many house years, it just happened that every now and again folks we knew would elect to redo their homes. When friends offered up some dang decent appliances rather than send them off with their delivery folk, we did the same or we sent ours on to Habitat or elsewhere. The circle of refrigerated life I suppose.

[Celebrator]

Lots of practical wisdom here, thanks.

[okclee]

I have a few properties and various kitchen remodel projects. The last 4 or 5 sets I have bought from Best Buy, saving hundreds of dollars each time. They will beat any other price, plus if you have a Best Buy credit card they give you an additional coupons. I'm not sure how Best Buy can get discount their appliances to beat Lowes and Home Depot, but each time they do.

[Jeepnokc]

I have a few properties and various kitchen remodel projects. The last 4 or 5 sets I have bought from Best Buy, saving hundreds of dollars each time. They will beat any other price, plus if you have a Best Buy credit card they give you an additional coupons. I'm not sure how Best Buy can get discount their appliances to beat Lowes and Home Depot, but each time they do.

Also, unless it is a clearance model, I always check to see if they have it online at the same price or better. If so, check your airline loyalty program for shopping program like Delta's Skymall Shopping. If I am buying from BB, I go to Delta, sign in and then click over to BB where I purchase the item with in store pick up or delivery. pay with amex (or other rewards credit card), and don't forget to use your BB rewards card. Doesn't cost anything extra but you get freq flyer points, amex points, and BB rewards points which turn into BB rewards certificates equaling more savings. Walmart, Sam's, Target, tiger direct, etc are all part of Delta Skymall shopping. We usually have enough points each year to get several first class airline tickets.

[zookeeper]

I've purchased such items at Best Buy at some great prices. The managers at BB also have great leeway, which isn't often the case at chain stores. If they get a return or a scratch n dent they are willing to bargain. They've really upped their customer service at Best Buy since the Amazon matching and what not went into effect. I was also told their training was completely reworked to favor customer service. Just a quick example: I went into Best Buy on North May and wanted a 32GB iPad Air (original, not 2) and even though online it said it was in the store, it wasn't. The associate was nice but didn't have any suggestions. I asked for the manager who came over, was very nice, saw an open box 64GB and said, "What if I gave you an open box 64GB for the same price as the new 32GB...I want you happy." I took that deal in a second and it's been great for over a year.

[Richard at Remax]

This is from about 5 years ago but we went Metro Appliances on 150th in Edmond and asked if they had any dinged up new inventory in the back and got a brand new $1300 fridge with a slight dent in the door for $800. They had plenty of other appliances back there as well. Now I don't remember how much delivery was but I do remember it didn't offset anything. Might be worth a shot.

[Celebrator]

Hey, thanks.