Scratch-and-Dent Appliances

A week ago, after work, we went appliance-shopping. I know, super-exciting news. Specifically, we were looking for a washer and dryer for our new house, which we'll (officially!) be moving into during the first week of November.

We had wandered around hhGregg, Lowes, and Sears in the past, casually looking for ideas, price shopping, and talking about what we wanted in appliances. By my dad's suggestion, while at Sears, we asked about 'scratch and dent' appliances- appliances that were damaged, usually just cosmetically, during shipping, so they couldn't be sold at full price on the sales floor. The saleslady we asked told us about a central warehouse store in Indianapolis where all the damaged appliances were sent from all the Sears stores in the area, and gave us directions. We were delighted!

So, last Friday, we made the trek to the store, and were pleasantly surprised. The selection of models for the washers and dryers were as good as the typical Sears stores, but the prices were much more palatable. They happened to be having a 1/2 off dryer sale, so we ended up picking out a washer and dryer that, together, cost less than the dryer would have un-scratched. These are new, not used, appliances, so we're getting the same quality as if we spent full price at a retail store. The only downside: a few scratches to the paint on the front and sides of the appliances. I can handle that.

If anyone comes to visit my home and judges me based on the condition of my washer and dryer, that's their problem, not mine. I rest in the knowledge that we got new, higher-quality appliances than we would have otherwise, that will probably last us longer, as frugally as possible.

See more Frugal Friday tips!