What to Know About Wholesale Appliance Center in South Carolina

Wholesale Appliance Center serves customers across South Carolina with new and scratch-and-dent appliances at discounted prices

Wholesale Appliance Center operates as a discount appliance retailer with locations in South Carolina, selling both new appliances and floor models or slightly damaged units at lower prices than traditional retail stores. The business model centers on volume sales and reduced overhead, which allows them to pass savings to customers. If you're replacing a major appliance or outfitting a rental property, understanding how Wholesale Appliance Center works—what they stock, how their pricing works, and what warranties come with purchases—helps you decide whether shopping there makes sense for your situation.

The store carries standard kitchen and laundry appliances: refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Inventory includes both full-price new units and discounted scratch-and-dent models, which are appliances with cosmetic damage (dents, scratches, or display wear) but full mechanical function. Prices on these discounted units typically run 20 to 40 percent below retail, though the exact discount depends on the damage severity and current inventory.

Key Takeaways

• Wholesale Appliance Center stocks new appliances and scratch-and-dent models at discounted prices, with the largest savings on cosmetically damaged units.
• Scratch-and-dent appliances carry the same manufacturer warranty as new units, so mechanical coverage is identical even if the exterior has damage.
• Delivery and installation fees vary by location and appliance type, so confirm the total cost before purchase rather than assuming the advertised price is final.
• Comparing the final price—including delivery and installation—to big-box retailers and online sellers helps you determine whether the discount is genuine for your specific appliance.

How Scratch-and-Dent Pricing Works

A scratch-and-dent appliance is a unit with exterior cosmetic damage that does not affect how the appliance functions. Common damage includes dents in the cabinet, scratches on the surface, or minor paint chips. These units come from several sources: floor models that customers examined in showrooms, appliances with shipping damage, or returns that cannot be resold as new. Wholesale Appliance Center prices these units significantly lower than new equivalents because the cosmetic damage makes them unsuitable for traditional retail sale, even though the appliance itself works exactly as designed.

The discount on a scratch-and-dent unit depends on the damage visibility and location. A small dent on the back of a refrigerator costs less than a visible scratch on the front door. You inspect the appliance in person before purchase, so you know exactly what damage you're accepting. If the damage bothers you—because the appliance will be visible in your kitchen, for instance—the discount may not justify the purchase. If the appliance will be in a garage, laundry room, or rental property where cosmetic condition matters less, the savings can be substantial.

Warranty Coverage on Discounted Appliances

Scratch-and-dent appliances carry the same manufacturer warranty as new units. The warranty covers mechanical and electrical failures for the period specified by the manufacturer—typically one year for most major appliances, though some manufacturers offer longer coverage on specific components. The cosmetic damage is not covered, because the damage existed before you purchased the appliance and is not a defect. If the appliance stops working within the warranty period, the manufacturer repairs or replaces it at no cost to you, regardless of whether you bought it new or as a scratch-and-dent unit.

Wholesale Appliance Center may also offer an extended warranty or service plan for an additional fee. These plans extend coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty and sometimes include accidental damage or service calls. Read the terms carefully: some plans cover parts and labor, while others cover only parts or only specific components. Ask whether the plan covers in-home service or requires you to bring the appliance to a service center. Extended warranties are optional, so weigh the cost against the likelihood you'll use it and the age of the appliance when coverage ends.

Delivery and Installation Costs

The advertised price at Wholesale Appliance Center does not include delivery and installation. These fees are separate and vary based on your location within South Carolina, the appliance type, and whether you need removal of an old unit. Delivery typically costs between $50 and $150 per appliance, depending on distance from the store and local delivery zones. Installation—connecting water lines, gas lines, or electrical hookups—adds another $75 to $200 or more, depending on the complexity and whether your home already has the necessary connections in place.

Removal of an old appliance is sometimes included with delivery and installation, but confirm this before purchase. Some stores charge an additional $25 to $75 to haul away your old unit. Ask for a complete quote that lists the appliance price, delivery fee, installation fee, and removal fee separately. This total cost is what you compare to other retailers. A scratch-and-dent appliance that saves you $300 on the unit price but costs $200 in delivery and installation may not be a better deal than a new appliance from a big-box retailer that includes free delivery.

Comparing Wholesale Appliance Center to Other Retailers

Wholesale Appliance Center competes with big-box retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot, as well as online sellers and local appliance stores. The lowest advertised price is not always the best deal. A new refrigerator at Home Depot might cost $800 with free delivery and installation included, while the same model as a scratch-and-dent unit at Wholesale Appliance Center might be $550 plus $150 delivery and installation—totaling $700, which is still less but requires you to accept cosmetic damage. If the damage is on a visible surface, the $100 savings may not feel worth it.

Online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair sometimes undercut local prices, but they do not offer in-home installation or removal of old appliances. If you need installation, you pay a third-party installer, which adds cost and complexity. Local appliance stores may have smaller inventories but sometimes offer more personalized service or faster delivery. Request quotes from multiple sources for the exact model you want, including all fees, before deciding. The store with the lowest total cost is the best choice, not necessarily the store with the lowest advertised price.

What to Inspect Before Buying a Scratch-and-Dent Unit

When you visit Wholesale Appliance Center to look at a scratch-and-dent appliance, inspect it thoroughly before committing to purchase. Open all doors and drawers to confirm they operate smoothly. Check that all controls turn and click properly. Look inside for rust, stains, or debris. For refrigerators, verify that the compressor hums when you plug it in. For washers and dryers, run a short cycle to confirm the drum rotates and water fills (if applicable). Take photos of any damage so you have documentation if you need to file a warranty claim later.

Ask the store staff about the damage history. Did this unit come from a floor display, a return, or a shipping incident? Understanding the source helps you assess whether the damage is purely cosmetic or whether the appliance may have been stressed. If the appliance has been in the store for a long time, ask why—sometimes slow-moving inventory indicates a problem that is not immediately obvious. Do not feel pressured to buy on the spot. If you're uncertain about the damage or the price, leave and compare it to other options before returning.

Payment and Return Policies

Wholesale Appliance Center typically accepts cash, credit cards, and financing options. Some locations offer in-house financing or partner with third-party lenders to spread payments over several months. Confirm the interest rate and term before committing to financing, as rates vary. Paying cash or using a credit card with rewards may save you money compared to financing, depending on the interest rate offered.

Return policies vary by location and whether the appliance is new or scratch-and-dent. Most retailers allow returns within 30 days if the appliance is unopened or unused, but scratch-and-dent units may have shorter return windows or no returns at all, since they are sold as-is. Ask about the return policy in writing before you purchase. If the appliance arrives damaged during delivery, report it immediately to the delivery company and the store. Damage during delivery is usually covered by the delivery service or the store's insurance, but you must document it promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a scratch-and-dent appliance safe to use?

Yes. Cosmetic damage does not affect how the appliance works. The internal components and mechanical systems are identical to a new unit. The only difference is the exterior appearance. If the damage is on the back or bottom of the appliance where you won't see it, you may never notice it was discounted.

Can I return a scratch-and-dent appliance if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by store and depend on whether the appliance has been used. Many retailers sell scratch-and-dent units as-is with no returns, while others allow returns within a short window if the appliance is unopened. Ask about the specific return policy before you buy, and request it in writing so you have documentation.

Do I need to hire my own installer, or does Wholesale Appliance Center handle it?

Wholesale Appliance Center can arrange installation for a fee, or you can hire your own installer. If you arrange your own installation, confirm that the installer is licensed and insured. The store's installation service is often simpler because they coordinate delivery and installation together, but compare the cost to independent installers in your area.

What happens if a scratch-and-dent appliance breaks within the warranty period?

Contact the manufacturer directly or bring the appliance to an authorized service center. The manufacturer warranty covers mechanical and electrical failures regardless of whether you bought the unit new or as a scratch-and-dent model. The cosmetic damage is not covered, but any defect in how the appliance functions is covered for the warranty period.

How do I know if the price at Wholesale Appliance Center is actually cheaper?

Request a complete quote that includes the appliance price, delivery, installation, and removal of your old unit. Compare this total to quotes from at least two other retailers for the same model. The lowest total cost is the best deal, not the lowest advertised price. Factor in whether you're accepting cosmetic damage and whether the warranty terms are the same across retailers.