Buying a new major appliance isn't cheap. But if you can live with a few minor nicks and scuffs, Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances will save you at least half the regular price. This is one of my favorite ways to save money at Lowe's, and it's not just a few dollars that you'll pocket in savings.
Scratch and dent appliances may have minor cosmetic damage, though. But they also have deeply discounted prices. And even Lowe’s employees say these items get you some of the best Lowe’s deals out there.
When you can save 50% or more on a brand-new appliance, a few flaws on the surface aren’t so bad. This guide shows you all the main things to know about Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances and where to find them (hint: they're not exclusive to Lowe's Outlet stores). Plus, I’ll cover the potential drawbacks and other ways to save on Lowe’s appliances.
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What are Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances?
Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances are deeply discounted models with minor cosmetic damage. These appliances will likely have missing parts or a few scuffs on the surface. But most scratch and dent appliances at Lowe's are brand new and still come with their original warranty.
Some appliances have obvious flaws, while others have barely noticeable markings. Some of Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances were simply damaged during the shipping process.
Others come from rejected customer deliveries. When Lowe’s delivers a new appliance, the customer can inspect it for cosmetic damage. If they reject the delivery, the appliance goes back to the Lowe’s store to sell at a reduced price.
How much can you save on Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances?
Lowe's scratch and dent appliances are typically 50% off the regular price. You’ll see a yellow tag on the item reflecting the discount, plus the type of warranty still available. The tag may also describe the type of cosmetic damage on the appliance.
If you see a scuffed-up appliance without a reduced price tag, ask a Lowe's store manager what kind of discount you can get. Sometimes, you can negotiate a discount for more than half-off.
Negotiating scratch and dent prices:
Shoppers and employees at Lowe's say that you can negotiate prices on Lowe’s scratch and dent appliances even lower than the price shown on the sticker. In other words, you can potentially save more than 50%.
Most store managers are happy to offload scratch and dent appliances. It helps create space for new inventory, so they may agree to negotiate an extra 10% to 20% off.
Worst case scenario: they say no and you save 50%.
Where to Find Lowe’s Scratch and Dent Appliances
You'll only find scratch and dent appliances in Lowe’s stores, not online.
In my store, they have the scratch and dent appliances lined up right in front of the appliance department. If you don’t find them there, check the aisle along the back wall of the store. Or, ask a Lowe's employee when they expect more scratch and dent appliances to arrive.
KCL TIP: If you're lucky enough to live near one of the 15 Lowe's Outlet stores in the country, RUN to it for the absolute best scratch and dent deals.
Are Lowe's scratch and dent appliances worth it?
It helps to weigh the pros and cons of Lowe's scratch and dent appliances before you take the plunge. Consider these factors before you make your purchase:
Benefits of Lowe's scratch and dent:
50% savings right off the bat — plus the potential to negotiate prices down further
Damage is often minimal — and likely to happen anyway if you have kids or pets in the house
Brand new appliances — most items are unused and still under warranty
Top brands — save on appliances from Samsung, LG, and more
Drawbacks of Lowe's scratch and dent:
No returns — all scratch and dent appliances at Lowe’s are final sale
No deliveries — scratch and dent appliances are only eligible for pickup
Additional parts may be necessary — you may have to purchase missing parts separately
More Ways to Save on Lowe’s Appliances
1. Check the Appliance Special Values section online.
Lowes.com is a great place to start your search for appliance savings. Why? Their Appliance Special Values section can save you up to 40% on major appliances, like dishwashers, dryers, fridges, and others.
Lowe’s Special Values are limited-time discounts that last anywhere from one week to two or more months. But you'll find deals for up to 40% off at any given time.
2. Shop the Presidents Day or Labor Day sales.
I’ve researched years of the best Lowe’s sales to drill down on the biggest deals. And it's hard to beat Lowe's Presidents Day or Lowe's Labor Day sale prices on major appliances.
Both sales offer major appliances for up to 40% off regular prices, plus “buy more, save more” deals that get you an extra $750 - $1,000 off.
3. Stop by one of 15 Lowe’s Outlet stores in the U.S.
Lowe’s Outlet stores are scarce these days, so consider yourself lucky if you live near one. Lowe's Outlet stores have scratch and dent appliances for up to 75% off. With that said, you can only shop at Lowe's Outlet stores in person.
You'll currently find a Lowe's Outlet store in these 15 cities:
Huntsville, AL
Monrovia, CA
North San Bernardino, CA
Meriden, CT
Miami, FL
Morrow, GA
Chicago, IL
Avon, MA
Medford, MA
Bridgeton, MO
Greensboro, NC
Akron, OH
Greenville, SC
Houston, TX
Irving, TX
4. Take advantage of Lowe’s price match policy.
Lowe’s price match policy can save you hundreds of dollars on expensive items like major appliances, as long as you know how to use it.
If you find a cheaper appliance from a competitor, make sure you let the Lowe’s store manager know about the lower price. If the competitor's item is identical to the Lowe's item and it's in stock at both stores, the manager should match the lower price.
Lowe’s price matches top competitors like Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart, Ace Hardware, and other local and online retailers.
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