AMDEA (Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances has reported that more than 40 million large appliances in the UK are unlikely to be registered with manufacturers; the association has launched its Register My Appliance Week in response, running from 22-26 January 2024.
According to a survey by YouGov, conducted by AMDEA, 60 per cent of adults think their attitude to taking care of their appliances has changed over the past couple of years – this could be to make their appliances last longer or to save money.
AMDEA Chief Executive Paul Hide commented: “The vast majority of appliances – new and not-so-new – can be registered easily and quickly. Given our growing concern that our possessions need to last longer, working safely and efficiently, it makes sense to take care to register all of our large appliances, as well as those small appliances that we’re increasingly relying on in the kitchen.
“When buying nearly new it’s also important to purchase from reputable sources, many of whom will supply a warranty.”
AMDEA’s Register My Appliance portal provides a quick and easy remedy offering online access to more than 70 leading brands, with most accepting registration of both new and older appliances.
A third (32.2 per cent) of people never or rarely register their large appliances. With an estimated 133 million fridges, washing machines and ovens in use in UK homes, this could mean some 42.8 million are unregistered.
The survey also revealed that over a quarter (29 per cent) of adults had already purchased a second-hand large appliance in the past and 50 per cent would consider it in the future.
Similarly, in the past year, more than a half (53 per cent) of adults had purchased a new small cooking appliance but the majority (59 per cent) still had not registered them.
When it comes to older appliances, the majority of UK adults (57 per cent) are unaware that they can still register a machine even if they never had, or no longer have, the receipt.
The survey also probed consumers understanding of the terminology used to describe different types of “nearly new” appliances. Although the terms “refurbished” and “display model” were understood by 73.4 per cent and 72 per cent of people respectively, only 46.2 per cent knew what “out-of-box” meant, and only 22.4 per cent say they understood the term ‘graded’. 12.6 per cent were baffled by all the descriptions.
While manufacturers and outlets may use slightly different terms to describe ‘nearly new’ or pre-used appliances, AMDEA is advising the public that it’s always good to question why the product is reduced and check for a warranty. Adding some typical definitions for initial guidance:
Out-of-box, or open box: Literally it is no longer in the original or sealed box. It is often an appliance that has been returned or used as a display model. In either case they may have a small cosmetic blemish or scratch which must be disclosed.
Graded: sometimes called B grade stock or factory seconds, are brand new appliances that have been returned to the original supplier or manufacturer. There are multiple reasons for appliances being returned, but the most common is due to cosmetic damage or imperfections on the appliance. Again the details should be made available.
Refurbished: are products that have been returned because they were defective and have been fixed. Check that this has been done and tested by the manufacturer or their representative.
Display model: as the name suggests this appliance has been on display. It has probably never been used but may have cosmetic blemishes and the original packaging may not be available.
