Scratch & Dent, Like New, Salvage: Decoding Common Appliance Conditions

Customer returns are just the product type that can be broken down into a variety of conditions. New, scratch & dent, salvage: these are all terms used to describe liquidation appliance merchandise across B-Stock’s network of appliance marketplaces. While each retailer and/or manufacturer will apply these terms a little differently when it comes to their product, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the more common condition descriptions used across our network, and what they mean. 

Common Liquidation Appliance Conditions

New

These appliances could be entering the secondary market as end-of-life (EOL), clearance or new-in-box inventory. These units have zero damage, are fully functional, and are still in the original factory carton.

Like New

These units may or may not be in the original factory carton, but a majority of the unit is still protected with corner boards and/or wrapped in a protective film. If the merchandise is in the original box, the packaging could be damaged. This inventory could have minor cosmetic damage or light use, but all units will be operational.

Used

Used merchandise lots will typically have some clear signs of wear and tear. They may require cleaning or repair before selling, or they may have some simple cosmetic problems. Used items may or may not include their original packaging, user manuals, and accessory parts.

Scratch & Dent

This definition covers a broad range of inventory. This includes a customer return based on noise level or color preference, to buyer’s remorse, or even a defective or non-functioning unit. Additionally, inventory may or may not have cosmetic damage. Depending on the marketplace, scratch & dent appliances can include: units that were never delivered to a customer, units that have gone through a full inspection and work perfectly, or untested units that may have functionality issues. Each marketplace has its own categorization of scratch & dent, so be sure to read the “conditions page” carefully.

Used-Good 

Used-Fair 

Refurbished

Lots labeled as “refurbished” have been inspected and possibly repaired by trained technicians. They were returned to the seller or may have been floor models or scratch and dent inventory. These products may show minimal cosmetic damage but are now in good working order, free from defects in functionality. If they are labeled as “certified refurbished,” they may also include a guarantee from the manufacturer or refurbisher. Be sure to read the auction details to get a clear understanding of any implied or explicit warranties.

Salvage

This condition of inventory refers to damaged items that may not be functional. Generally, this inventory has been completely written off by the retailer as beyond repairable. Units will have significant cracks, scuffs and dents, broken glass, and missing parts. Merchandise is highly used, not in its original packaging, and may or may not be working.

Mixed

In “mixed” condition auction lots, you may find some items from each of the above categories. They may be mostly customer returns, or half scratch and dent, or a few salvaged items and several new. The lot can be any combination of conditions. Read the manifest carefully to determine what you will receive, and in unmanifested lots, be prepared for anything.

Keep in mind, because each retailer or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) has its own marketplace, descriptions will differ. It’s ultimately up to you, as a buyer, to read and understand each marketplace’s own set of conditions, which can be found in each marketplace. 

To learn more about sourcing liquidation appliance inventory, be sure to read A Guide to Buying Liquidation Appliances. We invite you to check out all of B-Stock’s big-name appliance retailer and manufacturer marketplaces.