How to Buy an Ex-Display Appliance: What to Check and What to Avoid
Ex-display appliances — items that have been on the floor of a retail or wholesale showroom — can be an excellent way to get a premium appliance at a fraction of its new price. But not all ex-display stock is equal, and knowing what to check can mean the difference between a great purchase and an expensive mistake. Here's your complete guide.
What Is an Ex-Display Appliance?
An ex-display appliance is a product that was used in a showroom for demonstration purposes and is now being sold off. They are typically:
- Cosmetically marked (small scratches, scuffs or dents from being on the showroom floor)
- Functionally in good working order — they were maintained for demonstration
- Sold without retail packaging
- Priced 20–60% below RRP depending on the brand, age and condition
What Is a Graded Appliance?
Graded appliances are similar but slightly broader category. They include ex-display, slightly cosmetically damaged stock and customer returns that have been inspected and found to be fully functional. Graded stock is sold with a grade (A, B or C) indicating the level of cosmetic imperfection:
- Grade A — Near-perfect condition, minor marks only
- Grade B — Visible cosmetic marks or minor dents, fully functional
- Grade C — More significant cosmetic marks, fully functional
What to Check Before Buying Ex-Display
1. Does It Work?
The most important check. Ask the seller to demonstrate or test the appliance. For a fridge, check the temperature is reaching set point. For a washing machine, run a brief cycle. For an air conditioner, test both cooling and heating. If the seller won't demonstrate it working, don't buy it.
2. What Warranty Does It Come With?
Reputable ex-display dealers offer a warranty on all stock — typically 3–6 months. Some offer longer. Never buy ex-display without a warranty, as appliances can have faults that only emerge after use. At Oceania Appliances, we provide a 3–6 month warranty on all ex-display and graded stock.
3. Inspect Every Surface
Carefully inspect the top, sides, back and interior. Normal ex-display marks include minor scratches on the sides or top from being moved. Acceptable dents depend on where they are — a small dent on the side of a fridge is a cosmetic issue; a dent on the door seal area of a washing machine could indicate a functional problem.
4. Check the Door Seals
For fridges and washing machines, the door seal (gasket) is a wear item. Check it's intact, flexible and free from mould or tears. A damaged fridge door seal will cause the fridge to work harder and use more power.
5. Check All Controls Work
Test every button, dial and display. For a washing machine, run through the program menu. For a fridge, test the digital display. For an air conditioner, test all modes and fan speeds.
6. Ask About the History
How long was it on display? Was it used for cooking demonstrations (ovens) or just for show? The more it was used in demonstrations, the more wear to expect.
What to Avoid
- No warranty — always a red flag
- No demonstration — don't buy what you can't test
- Damaged door seals or structural panels — these can be expensive to replace
- Very old models from discontinued ranges — spare parts availability may be limited
Why Buy Ex-Display from Oceania Appliances?
We're one of Sydney's largest ex-display and graded appliance specialists. All our stock is inspected, tested and warranted before sale. We carry Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Samsung, LG, Bosch, Electrolux, Westinghouse and many other leading brands. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or contact us to find out what's available today.