What Are Ex Display Appliances?

Ex display appliances are products that retailers have used as showroom models for customers to view, test, and experience before making a purchase decision. These items have typically been kept in pristine condition, powered on only during store hours, and handled with care by trained sales staff.

Unlike second-hand or refurbished appliances, ex display models have never been used in a home environment. They haven't cooked meals, washed clothes, or chilled food in someone's kitchen. The primary difference between an ex display appliance and a brand new one is simply that it has been out of its original packaging and set up in a retail environment.

How The Ex Display Appliance Market Works

Retailers regularly update their showroom floor with the latest models from manufacturers, creating a steady stream of ex display appliances that need to be sold. This rotation typically happens when new product lines are released, during store renovations, or when display models show minor cosmetic wear.

The pricing of ex display appliances usually follows a standard discount structure, with savings typically ranging from 20% to 50% off the original retail price. The exact discount often depends on factors like the item's age, condition, and whether the model is still part of the current product line.

Most retailers offer these items with modified warranty terms. While a brand new appliance might come with a full manufacturer warranty, ex display models often come with a retailer-backed guarantee that may be shorter in duration but still provides essential coverage against defects.

Provider Comparison: Where To Find Ex Display Appliances

Several major retailers and specialized outlets offer ex display appliances, each with different approaches to pricing, warranty, and selection.

Comparison of Ex Display Appliance Providers

  • Currys - Offers a dedicated ex-display section online and in-store with typical discounts of 20-30%. Their ex display items come with a 12-month warranty and free delivery on orders over £50. Currys provides detailed condition reports for each item.
  • AO.com - Features graded and ex-display appliances with discounts up to 40%. AO.com provides a 12-month warranty and maintains their standard delivery service for these items.
  • John Lewis & Partners - Offers selected ex-display models in-store only with discounts of 15-25%. John Lewis typically includes their standard guarantee on ex-display items.
  • Appliance City - Specializes in ex-display and slight seconds with discounts of 30-50%. Appliance City provides a 12-month warranty on all ex-display items.

When comparing providers, consider not just the initial discount but also delivery options, warranty terms, and return policies, which can vary significantly between retailers.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Choosing Ex Display Models

Benefits of Ex Display Appliances

The most obvious advantage is the significant cost savings compared to buying new. For premium brands like Miele, Bosch, and Siemens, ex display models can make luxury appliances more accessible.

Ex display appliances are also more environmentally friendly as they extend the lifecycle of products that might otherwise be returned to manufacturers. By purchasing these items, consumers help reduce waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new appliances.

Additionally, these appliances are often immediately available, bypassing the sometimes lengthy delivery times for brand new models, especially for premium brands or during supply chain disruptions.

Potential Drawbacks

Minor cosmetic imperfections are common with ex display appliances. While these don't affect functionality, they might include small scratches, scuffs, or marks that wouldn't be present on a brand new item.

Warranty terms are typically shorter or modified compared to new appliances. Most retailers offer 6-12 month warranties for ex display models rather than the standard manufacturer warranty of 1-5 years.

Selection can also be limited and inconsistent. Unlike new appliances where you can choose specific features and models, ex display shopping requires flexibility and sometimes quick decision-making as items are often one-offs.

Pricing Overview and Value Assessment

Understanding the pricing structure of ex display appliances can help determine if they represent good value. Typically, the pricing hierarchy follows this pattern:

- Brand new (100% of retail price)
- Ex display (60-80% of retail price)
- Refurbished (50-70% of retail price)
- Used/second-hand (30-60% of retail price)

Premium brands often retain more value in the ex display market. A Neff or Samsung ex display appliance might be discounted 20-30%, while mid-range brands might see 30-40% reductions.

When evaluating value, consider the appliance's age, original price point, and current market position. Last year's high-end refrigerator might offer better long-term value than this year's budget model, even if both are similarly priced as ex display items.

Many retailers like Argos and Very offer finance options on ex display appliances, making premium models even more accessible through monthly payment plans rather than requiring the full amount upfront.

Conclusion

Ex display appliances represent a practical middle ground between brand new and second-hand options. They offer significant savings without compromising on quality or performance. For savvy shoppers willing to accept minor cosmetic imperfections or slightly shorter warranty periods, these items provide access to premium brands and models that might otherwise be unaffordable.

Before purchasing, always inspect items thoroughly, understand the specific warranty terms, and compare the discount against current promotions on new models. With careful selection, an ex display appliance can provide excellent value and many years of reliable service, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on quality.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.