Hidden Costs of Scratch and Dent Appliances

Scratch and dent appliances can save you 30-50% off retail. That's a real, significant discount. But here's what nobody mentions in the excitement of finding a great deal: the sticker price isn't always the final price.

Delivery fees, missing accessories, installation charges, haul-away costs, and even energy efficiency differences can chip away at your savings if you're not watching for them. None of these are deal-breakers — but they do need to be part of your math.

This guide breaks down every hidden cost you might encounter so you can calculate your true savings before you buy.

Delivery Fees

When you buy a full-price appliance from a big box retailer, delivery is often included free. Scratch and dent purchases — especially from independent dealers, outlet stores, and liquidators — usually don't come with that perk.

Expect to pay:

• Standard delivery: $50-$100 per appliance
• White glove delivery (in-home placement, unpacking): $100-$150 per appliance
• Multiple items: Some dealers offer per-trip pricing ($100-$200 for all units on one truck)

This is often the largest hidden cost, and it's the easiest to plan for. Simply ask about delivery charges before you commit.

Missing Accessories

Here's one that catches almost everyone off guard. Scratch and dent appliances frequently arrive missing standard accessories that you'd get in a sealed retail box. Sometimes they fell out during handling. Sometimes they were never repackaged after a floor display.

Common missing items and their replacement costs:

A refrigerator missing two shelves and an ice maker kit could cost you $200 in replacement parts. That doesn't erase your savings — but it reduces them more than you'd expect.

The fix is simple: Before you pay, open every door, pull out every drawer, and verify that all standard components are inside the unit. If something is missing, ask for a price reduction or negotiate the replacement cost off the price.

Installation Costs

The appliance is at your door. Now what? For some appliances, you plug it in and you're done. For others, you need professional installation — and that's a separate charge.

Typical installation costs:

• Refrigerator with water line: $100-$175 (running a new water line for ice maker/dispenser)
• Gas range: $100-$200 (gas line connection and leak test)
• Dishwasher: $100-$175 (water supply, drain, and electrical connections)
• Over-the-range microwave: $75-$150 (mounting and venting)
• Washer/dryer: $50-$100 (if hookups already exist)

Some scratch and dent dealers offer installation as an add-on service. Big box retailers often include it with retail purchases but charge separately for open box. Independent contractors on platforms like Thumbtack or Angi can sometimes beat dealer installation prices.

Even with $125 in installation costs factored into the scratch and dent price, you're still saving $175 in this example. The savings are real — they're just smaller than the sticker suggests.

Haul-Away of Your Old Appliance

If you're replacing an existing appliance, somebody has to remove the old one. This service is often free with retail delivery but costs extra with scratch and dent:

• Dealer haul-away: $25-$75 per appliance
• Junk removal service: $50-$100 per appliance
• Municipal bulk pickup: Free in many cities (check your local schedule)

Energy Efficiency Differences

This one is more subtle but worth understanding. Scratch and dent inventory often includes prior-year models. In most cases, the efficiency difference between this year's model and last year's is negligible. But if you're looking at a unit that's two or three years old, the gap can add up.

The EnergyGuide label on every appliance tells you the estimated annual energy cost. Here are some typical differences:

• Refrigerator: A less efficient model may cost $30-$50 more per year to run
• Washer: Older top-loaders use significantly more water and energy than modern front-loaders
• Dishwasher: Newer ENERGY STAR models use 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard models

Over a 10-year appliance lifespan, $40/year in extra energy costs adds up to $400. That's worth checking — though it still rarely wipes out a $500+ scratch and dent discount.

The No-Return Policy Risk

Many scratch and dent dealers sell units "as-is" with no return option. At a big box store, you'd typically have 30-48 hours (or more) to return an appliance that doesn't work. At a strict as-is dealer, once it's on your truck, it's yours.

This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker — you still have the manufacturer warranty for functional defects. But it means you need to be thorough with your in-store inspection. Test everything before you buy.

How to Calculate Your True Savings

Before you pay, add it up:

In the vast majority of cases, scratch and dent still wins — and wins big. But running these numbers keeps expectations accurate and prevents sticker shock after the sale.

The Bottom Line

Hidden costs don't make scratch and dent a bad deal. They make it a deal you need to plan for. When you walk into a store knowing about delivery fees, missing accessories, installation charges, and energy considerations, you can negotiate smarter, budget accurately, and walk out with savings that are just as good as they look on the price tag.

For a complete walkthrough of the buying process, check out our Buyer's Guide. And to find stores near you, browse our state directory.