Can I sell extended warranties on refurbished or open-box commercial equipment?

Date Created: June, 2026
TLDR
Yes – commercial appliance and equipment dealers can sell extended warranties on refurbished, open-box, and previously used commercial equipment.
These units often have limited or no manufacturer coverage, which increases risk for both the dealer and the operator. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) allows dealers to offer protection plans on this inventory, creating new profit opportunities and supporting long-term service across all inventory types.
Yes – commercial equipment dealers can offer protection plans on refurbished, open-box, and previously owned commercial units. These products typically have little or no manufacturer warranty, so adding coverage helps manage repair risk while generating additional profit per transaction. CPS protection plans are designed to give dealers flexibility to cover these high-risk inventory types and keep service revenue in-house.
CPS COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT WARRANTY PROGRAM
Interested in Offering
CPS Commercial Equipment
Protection Plans?
Join commercial equipment dealers, distributors, and service providers using CPS to generate additional profit on every sale while protecting their customers’ operations.
Complete the form and our team will walk you through how a CPS program can fit your business.
What are the revenue and service advantages of selling warranties on refurbished or open-box commercial equipment?
Selling protection plans on refurbished and open-box commercial equipment creates new profit streams and stabilizes service costs for dealers. These units usually lack full manufacturer coverage, so offering a structured service plan directly addresses operator concerns about repair costs and downtime.
Many commercial appliance and equipment dealers struggle to monetize used and open-box inventory, especially when buyers are hesitant about long-term reliability. CPS program data shows that offering protection on these units not only increases attachment rates (15%-30% higher than new equipment, per CPS benchmarks) but also speeds up inventory turnover and reduces service headaches after the sale.
|
Approach |
Revenue Impact |
Service Control |
Operational Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
No coverage on refurbished/open-box |
Lower profit per unit, missed revenue opportunity |
Dealer absorbs post-sale repair risk or loses customer to outside service |
Higher buyer hesitation, slower inventory turns |
|
CPS protection plans offered |
12%-28% additional revenue per transaction |
Dealer retains first right of repair and service revenue |
Higher buyer confidence, faster inventory movement, repeat service opportunities |
Why is selling extended warranties for refurbished or open-box commercial equipment challenging for dealers in real-world operations?
Many commercial appliance and equipment dealers find that selling protection plans on refurbished or open-box inventory is more complicated than it appears. These units come with unique service risks, uncertain repair histories, and higher buyer skepticism, especially in revenue-critical environments like restaurants, laundromats, or vending operations. Dealers must balance the need to generate profit from discounted inventory with the challenge of providing credible service support and managing customer expectations when manufacturer coverage is either limited or nonexistent. This creates real operational friction and makes consistent warranty sales on these products difficult without the right structure.
- Refurbished and open-box commercial equipment lacks manufacturer support – Dealers must fill the gap for post-sale repairs and service, increasing operational risk for every unit sold.
- Repair history is often uncertain – Previous use or refurbishment may hide underlying issues, making claims more likely and harder to predict.
- Buyers are more skeptical – Commercial customers often question reliability, so dealers face more resistance when presenting protection options.
- Multi-unit and fleet sales increase exposure – Restaurants, laundromats, or property managers purchasing several units at once magnify the risk and service workload if failures occur.
- Coordinating fast, reliable service is harder – Downtime on revenue-generating equipment creates urgency, but not all warranty programs are set up for rapid response on used inventory.
- Tracking eligible inventory and claims creates administrative complexity – Dealers need clear processes to manage coverage across mixed-condition equipment.
What do experienced commercial appliance and equipment dealers do differently when offering warranties on refurbished or open-box equipment?
Experienced commercial appliance and equipment dealers approach protection plans for refurbished or open-box units with clear eligibility guidelines and close attention to service execution. They focus on inventory screening, set realistic customer expectations, and work with warranty providers who allow flexible coverage structures and dealer-first repair participation. In practice, the most successful dealers highlight the value of post-sale support to buyers, use coverage as a selling tool to reduce risk concerns, and track service outcomes to ensure warranty programs are actually profitable over time. CPS dealer data shows these habits consistently drive higher warranty attachment rates and better customer retention on discounted inventory.
How does Consumer Priority Service (CPS) help retailers handle this?
Many commercial equipment dealers struggle to offer protection on refurbished, open-box, and redeployed inventory because manufacturer warranties rarely apply, and most programs exclude used equipment. This creates both missed revenue and exposure to expensive repairs. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) solves this by offering flexible coverage specifically designed for non-new commercial equipment, allowing dealers to generate additional profit on inventory that would otherwise be difficult to monetize while keeping control over service and repair relationships.
CPS programs cover a wide range of commercial categories—kitchen equipment, refrigeration, laundry, vending, and more—so dealers can attach coverage to nearly any eligible product. The ability to offer warranties on used, refurbished, or open-box commercial units helps dealers move inventory faster, increase trust with business buyers, and capture service revenue that would otherwise go elsewhere. CPS also streamlines onboarding and supports both manual and automated sales workflows, making it easy for dealers of any size to participate.
CPS offers commercial appliance and equipment dealers several operational tools and program types specifically for covering refurbished, open-box, and previously owned inventory. Here’s how it works in practice:
Key CPS Program Types for Refurbished and Open-Box Inventory
|
Program Type |
What It Means for Dealers |
|---|---|
|
Refurbished / Open Box Commercial Equipment Coverage |
Allows dealers to add coverage on non-new equipment; coverage starts at sale and typically takes over after any dealer warranty (often day 91); covers mechanical and electrical failures from normal use. |
|
Used Equipment Protection |
Eligible for pre-owned, redeployed, or returned equipment; flexible term lengths; designed for rental, leasing, and secondary market sales; supports multi-unit and high-volume operations. |
|
Post-Sale Marketing (PSM) |
Recovers missed warranty sales by offering coverage after the initial transaction; no extra dealer effort required; increases overall attachment rates on discounted inventory (up to 15% recovery). |
Core Capabilities Supporting Dealers
- Revenue-first model – Dealers control pricing and can earn 12%-28% additional profit per refurbished or open-box unit sold.
- Dealer-first repair workflow – Dealers can service their own claims, keeping repair revenue in-house and maintaining customer relationships.
- Flexible onboarding – Participation options for both low-tech (manual entry, spreadsheets) and high-tech (API, integrations) dealer workflows.
- Service coordination – CPS provides access to a nationwide network of qualified commercial servicers for rapid response, even on used equipment.
- Operational coverage – Programs are structured for real commercial environments: restaurants, laundry, vending, multi-unit accounts, and more.
Eligibility and Coverage Structure
|
Eligibility Requirement |
Explanation |
|---|---|
|
Equipment in working condition at sale |
Coverage cannot be added to equipment with pre-existing issues; dealers certify units are operational. |
|
Dealer-provided sale documentation |
Proof of sale and equipment details required for coverage activation and claim eligibility. |
|
Coverage term selection |
Dealers can offer different coverage lengths (1–4 years) to fit operational and resale needs. |
What does CPS coverage include for commercial appliance and equipment dealers?
What types of commercial equipment can be covered by CPS protection plans?
- Commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, ranges, fryers, steamers, prep tables)
- Commercial refrigeration (walk-ins, reach-ins, freezers, display cases)
- Commercial laundry (washers, dryers, stack units, finishing equipment)
- Vending machines and automated retail equipment
- Foodservice, HVAC, property-managed, and multi-unit operational equipment
What failures and components are included under CPS coverage?
- Mechanical failures (compressors, motors, pumps, fans, drive assemblies)
- Electrical failures (control boards, relays, wiring, sensors, power supplies)
- Critical functional parts required for operation in commercial environments
- Parts and labor for covered repairs
- On-site service for eligible commercial appliances and equipment
What is not covered by CPS protection plans for refurbished/open-box commercial equipment?
- Cosmetic issues (scratches, dents, exterior rust, paint damage)
- Non-functional parts (handles, shelving, trim, display panels not related to function)
- Consumables and wear items (filters, bulbs, batteries, belts, gaskets, hoses)
- Damage from misuse, abuse, improper installation, or environmental events
- Failures caused by pre-existing conditions or lack of required maintenance
What commercial environments are eligible for CPS coverage?
- Restaurants, bars, cafes, and foodservice operations
- Laundromats, multi-unit laundry, and property-managed facilities
- Convenience stores, grocery, and cold storage
- Hospitality (hotels, motels, extended stay)
- Multi-location businesses and fleet operations
How does CPS structure coverage terms for refurbished and open-box commercial equipment?
- Coverage starts at sale date and overlaps with any dealer-provided warranty, then CPS takes over (often day 91)
- Flexible term options (1–4 years) based on dealer preference and equipment type
- Designed for active business use and high-usage operational cycles
Who is Consumer Priority Service (CPS) and how do they support commercial appliance and equipment dealers?
- Established and experienced partner – Consumer Priority Service (CPS) has been supporting commercial appliance and equipment dealers since 1990, giving dealers a proven, long-term partner they can trust
- Vast scale and customer reach – CPS has covered over 75 million products and served more than 60 million customers, demonstrating deep experience across commercial and residential equipment
- Strong claims and service infrastructure – With over $450 million in claims paid annually and a network of 50,000+ servicers, CPS can handle high-volume, high-urgency commercial service needs
- Extensive dealer partnerships – CPS works with over 10,000 retail and commercial partners, including independents, multi-location operators, and distributors, reflecting broad dealer trust
- Nationwide, factory-authorized service capabilities – CPS supports both independent and factory-authorized repair networks, ensuring reliable service for a wide range of commercial-grade equipment
- U.S.-based support and real dealer relationships – Dealers work with dedicated, U.S.-based support and onboarding teams, not just generic call centers
- Comprehensive product category coverage – CPS supports 60+ commercial equipment categories, giving dealers flexibility to cover mixed or specialized inventory
Refurbished & Open-Box Commercial Equipment Warranty FAQ
Can I offer warranties on used commercial equipment?
Yes – dealers can offer protection plans on used, refurbished, and open-box commercial equipment through CPS programs.
What types of commercial products are eligible for CPS coverage?
CPS covers a wide range of equipment, including commercial kitchen, refrigeration, laundry, vending, and HVAC units.
Do I need manufacturer warranty to sell CPS coverage?
No – CPS programs are designed specifically for equipment without full manufacturer coverage, such as refurbished or open-box units.
Can my business service its own warranty claims?
Yes – with CPS, dealers have the option to service their own warranty claims and retain the service revenue.
How are claims handled for refurbished equipment?
CPS coordinates claims and assigns service to the dealer or qualified commercial technicians, ensuring fast turnaround for business use.
What does CPS coverage include for open-box or used equipment?
Coverage includes mechanical and electrical failures, parts and labor, on-site service, and critical functional components.
Are there exclusions I should know about?
Yes – CPS does not cover cosmetic issues, consumables, misuse, environmental damage, or pre-existing failures.
How long can I offer protection coverage on refurbished or open-box equipment?
Dealers can choose flexible term lengths, typically 1–4 years, depending on the program and equipment type.
Does CPS help with post-sale warranty sales if I missed the opportunity at checkout?
Yes – CPS offers post-sale marketing programs to recover missed warranty revenue on previously sold inventory.
Is there a minimum volume required to participate in the CPS program?
No – CPS works with dealers of all sizes, from independents to large multi-location operations.
Can I track warranty performance and claims activity on my refurbished inventory?
Yes – CPS provides dealer portal access for tracking coverage, claims, and performance across all inventory types.
Why do commercial buyers care about coverage on used equipment?
Because most failures and repair costs occur after the original warranty ends, especially on high-usage commercial equipment.
How can commercial appliance and equipment dealers move forward with the right warranty solution?
For commercial appliance and equipment dealers looking to turn refurbished, open-box, or used inventory into a new profit center, Consumer Priority Service (CPS) makes it simple to add protection plans without complicating operations. CPS is built to work with how your business already operates—manual, automated, or integrated—and supports everything from onboarding and staff training to claims handling and ongoing support.
No matter your inventory mix or service model, CPS gives you the tools to offer coverage, support your customers, and create additional revenue streams across all commercial equipment types. Getting started is straightforward, and the CPS team is ready to help dealers of any size implement a program that fits their workflow and growth strategy.
|
Contact Method |
Details |
|---|---|
|
|
dealers@cpscentral.com |
|
Phone |
(800) 905-0445 |
CPS is here to help your business
Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is already supporting commercial appliance and equipment dealers with a wide range of inventory and business models. If you want tailored guidance or want to see exactly how this fits your operation, just contact CPS—the team can review your setup and help you start offering coverage right away.
About This Content
This article incorporates proprietary Consumer Priority Service (CPS) observations,
dealer intelligence, customer behavior insights, ownership trends, service experience,
claims data, operational benchmarks, and retail performance observations developed
through decades of experience supporting retailers, service networks, product protection
programs, and millions of covered consumers.
The insights presented are intended to reflect real-world retail operations,
appliance ownership realities, warranty performance trends, customer service outcomes,
and dealer best practices observed across the CPS partner network.
Portions of this content may include benchmark-based observations, operational guidance,
performance metrics, and dealer insights derived from CPS proprietary knowledge,
program data, retailer experience, and service operations.
© Consumer Priority Service (CPS). All rights reserved.

