What "scratch and dent" really means
A scratch and dent appliance is a brand-new unit that picked up cosmetic damage somewhere between the factory and the sales floor — a scuff during shipping, a ding on the side panel, a small dent on a door. Mechanically and electronically, it's the same appliance the big-box store is selling at full price. It just can't be sold as "new" in the traditional retail channel, so manufacturers and distributors move it through liquidation to stores like ours.
Scratch & dent is only one of the channels we buy through. Our floor is a mix of factory-new units, open-box, overstock, cancelled orders, customer returns, and scratch & dent — every one of them out of the retail supply chain rather than bought secondhand out of somebody's kitchen, and every one of them carrying its full manufacturer warranty.
New, open-box, overstock, cancelled orders, customer returns & scratch & dent
Our appliances come out of the retail supply chain, not out of homes — factory-new stock, open-box and display units, overstock, cancelled orders, customer returns, and scratch & dent. We're not a used-appliance dealer: nothing is bought secondhand out of households, and nothing is reconditioned or rebuilt. Condition varies unit to unit, is disclosed before purchase, and every appliance carries its full manufacturer warranty.
- Factory newSealed retail stock — full manufacturer warranty.
- Open boxOpened, floor-displayed or returned to the retailer; packaging may be incomplete.
- OverstockSurplus current-model inventory from distribution.
- Cancelled ordersOrders cancelled before or at delivery and sent back to the channel.
- Customer returnsReturned inside the retailer's return window — some untouched, some briefly hooked up. Inspected on arrival and disclosed to you.
- Scratch & dentRetail stock with cosmetic blemishes only — dings, scuffs, or panel dents.
Cosmetic damage vs. mechanical integrity
This is the distinction that matters. Cosmetic damage is a visible mark — a scratch, a dent, a scuff — that does not affect how the appliance runs, seals, or lasts. Mechanical integrity is whether the compressor, motor, heating element, controls, and seals all work exactly the way the manufacturer intended.
At Apex Sales, every unit we sell is mechanically and electrically new. The savings come from the cosmetic side — often a dent that ends up against a wall or on a side panel you'll never see again once the appliance is installed.
The warranty is the whole story
The single most important question when buying a discount appliance is: does it come with the full manufacturer warranty? A scratch and dent fridge with a real Samsung or LG warranty is a great deal. A scratch and dent fridge with a "30-day store warranty" is a gamble.
Every appliance we sell — new, open-box, and scratch & dent — is backed by the full manufacturer warranty. Same coverage as a big-box store, at a fraction of the price.
How much can you actually save?
Savings vary by category and cosmetic condition, but our customers routinely see:
- Up to 75% off retail on units with visible but easily-hidden dents
- 30–50% off on lightly scuffed open-box appliances
- Premium brands like Samsung, LG, GE, and Bosch at mid-range prices
- Matching washer & dryer sets that would cost thousands new
What to check before you buy
- Ask about the warranty. Is it manufacturer-backed, or store-only? Manufacturer warranty is the answer you want.
- Look at the damage in person. Where is it? Will it be visible after install? A dent on a side panel next to a cabinet disappears the day it's delivered.
- Confirm it powers on and runs. A reputable store will happily plug it in for you.
- Check the model number. Compare it to the current retail price so you know exactly what you're saving.
So — worth it?
For most shoppers, absolutely. If you can accept a small cosmetic imperfection (often invisible after install) in exchange for hundreds or thousands of dollars in savings and a full manufacturer warranty, scratch and dent appliances are one of the best-kept secrets in home improvement.
If you want a floor-model-perfect finish visible from every angle, buy new — but expect to pay full retail for the peace of mind.
Ready to see what's in stock?
Call or text (573) 353-8511, request a specific appliance, or visit either showroom — 615 Delaware St in Jefferson City or 191 N Rangeline Rd in Columbia.