1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Coupons / Bargains

Things You May Not Know About Smart Bargain Shopping
Cashing In on Dents and Scratches

By , About.com Guide

Scratched or dented merchandise is big business now. Stores specialize in offering this slightly bruised merchandise at big discounted prices. We are accustomed to seeing furniture and appliances with "scratched" or "dented" signs on them. But, what we sometimes forget about are the smaller items that you find in your regular department stores.

Take for example the new leather purse you may be interested in buying. You could negotiate up to a 50% discount if you discover a small scratch in the leather. Chances are you will get your own scratch on it in no time.

Luggage is another item that is often price adjusted due to small imperfections (as long as it is not hardware related). Let’s face it, one trip through an airport and our luggage is going to look slightly worn anyway.

Other items that adjustments are often made on include:

  • Shoes
  • Sporting goods (such as baseball gloves)
  • Small appliances
  • Artwork
  • Clothing with makeup or small stains
  • Clothing with small rips along seams
  • Items without the proper packaging
  • Showroom furniture and accessories

The important thing to remember when purchasing imperfect merchandise is that if the imperfection affects performance, then it is not a good deal. However, if it is just a matter of turning the scratch to the wall, buffing some oil onto leather, or bleaching out a stain, then chances are, its money well spent.

< Previous Tip

Next Tip >


More: How To Save Money On Anything You Buy

More Coupons / Bargains Quick Tips
Explore Coupons / Bargains
About.com Special Features

10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Credit

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Coupons / Bargains

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.