What Are Factory Seconds? The Complete Australian Buyer's Guide

If you've been shopping for a fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher and noticed prices that seem almost too good to be true, there's a good chance you've landed on factory seconds. But what exactly are factory seconds — and are they actually worth buying?

This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy: what factory seconds are, how they compare to refurbished and second-hand appliances, whether they're safe to purchase, and where to find them across Australia.

 

What Does "Factory Seconds" Actually Mean?

Factory seconds — sometimes called "factory 2nds" or "appliance seconds" — are brand-new appliances that have been marked down because they can't be sold at full retail price. They come straight from the manufacturer or importer and have never been used in a home.

The reason they're discounted almost always has nothing to do with how the appliance works. Instead, it's usually one of the following:

Why Appliances Become Factory Seconds

Cosmetic damage: A scratch on the side panel, a small dent on the door, or a scuff on the top surface during transport or warehousing. The appliance works perfectly — it just doesn't look showroom-perfect.

Carton or packaging damage: The box was crushed in transit. The product inside is completely fine, but once the carton is damaged, it can't go back onto a retail shelf.

Overproduction: Manufacturers sometimes produce more units than retailers ordered. Rather than storing or destroying the surplus, it gets sold off to factory seconds stores at a discount.

Display or floor models: Units used for in-store display that are no longer needed once a new model arrives.

Minor assembly variance: Occasionally, a unit comes off the production line with a tiny cosmetic deviation — a slightly misaligned door handle, for example — that doesn't affect functionality but fails the manufacturer's cosmetic grading standard.

In every one of these cases, the appliance is mechanically brand new. It has never been plugged into someone's home or run through a wash cycle.

 

Factory Seconds vs Refurbished vs Second-Hand — What's the Difference?

These three terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Understanding the difference helps you shop smarter.

 

Factory seconds offer the best of both worlds: the low price of a used appliance, but with a product that has never actually been used. For most buyers, this is the sweet spot.

Refurbished appliances have been used previously but professionally inspected, cleaned, repaired where necessary, and tested to confirm they're working correctly before resale. A quality refurbished appliance from a reputable store is a very safe buy.

Are Factory Seconds Safe to Buy?

Yes — with a reputable seller, factory seconds are one of the safest ways to save money on a major appliance.

Because the appliance is mechanically new, the main thing you're accepting is a cosmetic imperfection, not a functional one. A scratch on the back of a fridge that sits against the wall doesn't affect how it keeps your food cold.

Do Factory Seconds Come With a Warranty in Australia?

This is one of the most important questions to ask before you buy. The answer depends on the seller:

• Store warranty: Most reputable factory seconds retailers offer their own warranty — typically 3 to 12 months — covering parts and labour. Lucky White Goods backs every appliance with a store warranty regardless of condition category.

• Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Regardless of what warranty a seller offers, your rights under the ACL still apply. If an appliance fails within a reasonable timeframe and it's not due to misuse, you're entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund.

• Manufacturer warranty: For genuine factory seconds, the manufacturer's warranty may or may not apply. Always check this with the retailer before purchasing.

 

What Types of Appliances Are Sold as Factory Seconds?

Almost every category of home appliance is available as factory seconds. Here's what you're likely to find:

Fridges and Freezers

The most popular category. Factory seconds fridges include top mount, bottom mount, French door, and side-by-side models from brands like Samsung, LG, Hisense, Fisher & Paykel, and CHiQ. Chest freezers and upright freezers are also commonly available.

Washing Machines and Dryers

Front loaders, top loaders, washer-dryer combos, and heat pump dryers are all regularly available as factory seconds. This is one of the highest-turnover categories because washing machines are a frequent replacement purchase.

Dishwashers

Freestanding and under-bench dishwashers from major brands. Often available with minor door or handle damage that's completely invisible once the unit is installed under a benchtop.

Ovens, Microwaves, and Rangehoods

Kitchen appliances are frequently available as factory seconds because packaging damage is common during the transport of heavy, bulky items.

TVs

A growing category. 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch TVs from Hisense, Samsung, TCL, and others are increasingly available as factory seconds — usually with minor stand scuffs or box damage that doesn't affect the screen at all.

 

Where to Buy Factory Seconds Appliances in Australia

Not all factory seconds retailers are equal. When choosing where to buy, look for:

• A physical store or warehouse where you can inspect the item
• Clear condition grading and honest descriptions
• A stated warranty policy
• A track record — check reviews and how long they've been operating

Lucky White Goods operates warehouses across Australia and has sold over 100,000 products. You'll find factory seconds, refurbished, carton-damaged, and near-new appliances across all major categories. Same-day delivery is available in major cities.

Store Locations

• Sydney — Alexandria, NSW, and Seven Hills NSW
• Melbourne — Reservoir VIC
• Brisbane & Gold Coast
• Adelaide
• Perth

Australia-wide delivery is also available if you're not near a store.

 

How Much Can You Save Buying Factory Seconds?

The savings are genuine and often significant. As a rough guide:

 

Prices are indicative and vary by brand, model, and condition. Check current stock for exact pricing.

The savings are most significant on larger, higher-ticket items. A $2,200 fridge as a factory second at $1,300 is a $900 saving — that's a real difference, especially for families furnishing a home or landlords setting up a rental property.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are factory seconds brand new?
Yes. Factory seconds are brand-new appliances that have never been used in a home. They're discounted due to cosmetic imperfections, packaging damage, or overproduction — not because of any functional issue.

Do factory seconds come with a warranty in Australia?
It depends on the retailer. Reputable stores like Lucky White Goods offer a store warranty. Your Australian Consumer Law rights also apply regardless of the condition of the appliance.

What's the difference between factory seconds and refurbished?
Factory seconds were never used — they're new with a cosmetic flaw. Refurbished appliances were used previously, then professionally inspected, repaired if needed, and tested before resale.

Are factory seconds good quality?
The appliance itself is the same quality as a brand-new unit — it's made by the same manufacturer to the same specifications. The only difference is a cosmetic imperfection on the outside.

Where can I buy factory seconds appliances near me in Australia?
Lucky White Goods has stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Perth, with Australia-wide delivery available.

Ready to Shop?

Now that you know what factory seconds are — and why they're one of the smartest ways to buy a home appliance — browse Lucky White Goods' current stock across all categories:

• Factory Seconds Fridges & Freezers
• Factory Seconds Washing Machines & Dryers
• Refurbished Appliances
• Combo Deals
• All Factory Seconds