Can you return scratch and dent appliances to Lowe's?

Lowe's generally accepts returns on scratch and dent appliances within 48 hours of delivery, but policies vary by location and item.

Are scratch and dent appliances sold as-is?

Some stores sell them as-is with no returns, while others offer limited return windows. Always ask before buying.

Does the manufacturer warranty cover scratch and dent?

Yes. Manufacturer warranties cover functional defects regardless of cosmetic condition.

What if my scratch and dent appliance stops working after delivery?

Contact the manufacturer for warranty service. The warranty covers functional failures even on cosmetically damaged units.

Can You Return Scratch and Dent Appliances?

You found a gorgeous stainless steel refrigerator at 40% off because of a small dent on the side panel. The price is right, but a nagging question holds you back: what happens if something goes wrong? Can you actually return it?

The short answer is: it depends entirely on where you buy it. And that is exactly why you need to ask the right questions before you hand over your money.

The Big Retailer Advantage

Major retailers like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Best Buy typically have return policies that extend to their scratch and dent inventory, though the terms may differ from standard purchases. Here is what you can generally expect:

Return windows are shorter. While new appliances might have a 30-day return window, scratch and dent returns are often limited to 48 hours after delivery.
Restocking fees may apply. Some retailers charge 15-25% to take back a discounted appliance, cutting into your refund.
Exchanges may be offered instead of refunds. Since scratch and dent items are one-of-a-kind, some stores will offer a credit toward another unit rather than a cash refund.

Always ask about the return policy at the specific store location where you are buying. National chains can have location-level variations on scratch and dent returns.

Independent Stores: Buyer Beware

Smaller appliance outlets and dedicated scratch and dent stores often operate on tighter margins. As a result, many of them sell on an "all sales final" basis. This does not make them bad places to shop — it just means you need to be more careful before committing.

If the store has a no-return policy, here is how to protect yourself:

Your Secret Weapon: Manufacturer Warranties

Here is something many shoppers do not realize — the return policy at the store and the manufacturer warranty are two completely separate things.

Even if a store sells an appliance as-is with no returns, the manufacturer warranty still covers functional defects. That scratch and dent refrigerator has the same compressor warranty as the one sitting in its pristine box next to it on the showroom floor.

Scratch and dent appliances retain their full manufacturer warranty. A dent does not void the warranty — only unauthorized modifications do.

This means that if your new washer stops spinning three months after purchase, you can call the manufacturer for warranty service regardless of what the store's return policy says.

Credit Card Purchase Protection

If you are spending several hundred dollars (or more) on a scratch and dent appliance, paying with a credit card that offers purchase protection is a smart move.

Many major credit cards provide:

Return protection: If the store will not take the item back, your credit card company may refund you within 90 days of purchase.
Extended warranty: Some cards add 1-2 years of warranty coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty.
Damage protection: Coverage if the item arrives with new damage beyond what was disclosed.

Check your card benefits before shopping. This one step can turn a risky purchase into a well-protected one.

What to Do the Moment Your Appliance Arrives

The clock starts ticking the second your appliance is delivered. Whether you have a 48-hour return window or no return window at all, you need to act fast.

If you discover a functional problem, contact the store immediately. Even stores with strict return policies will often work with you on a legitimately defective unit — nobody wants a reputation for selling broken appliances.

Common Misconceptions About Scratch and Dent Returns

"Scratch and dent means no returns, period." Not true. Many big-box retailers accept returns within a limited window. Always ask.
"The cosmetic damage voids the warranty." It does not. Manufacturer warranties cover functional defects regardless of dents and scratches.
"If the store won't take it back, I'm stuck." Your credit card's purchase protection may still have your back.

The Bottom Line

The single most important thing you can do is ask about the return policy before you buy, and get it in writing. No assumptions, no verbal promises — get it on paper.

Scratch and dent appliances are one of the best ways to save serious money on quality appliances. The return policy landscape is not as scary as it seems — you just need to go in prepared. Between store return windows, manufacturer warranties, and credit card protections, there are multiple layers of safety for the informed buyer.

Ready to start shopping? Browse scratch and dent stores near you to find your next deal, or check out our Buyer's Guide for more tips on buying with confidence.