Warranty Misconceptions


I want to start this thread because of many many ads out there which say "blank warranty card" or still under warranty until x date.

The problem with all these teaser ads is that in almost all cases, warranty cards are useless unless accompanied by the receipt from an Authorized Dealer for receiving warranty work.

In addition, I still see ads for stuff like Krell (I think it was Krell which dropped it) which has dropped their transferable warranty policy. Others posting ads saying the product is warrantied for several more years when in fact the warranty on the product began running the date the product was either shipped from the factory or first sold, and hence slicing the warranty in half.

Problem is, blank warranty cards are useless, transferable warranties are dwindling, and most warranties start from when the piece was originally sold or shipped.

Please be careful about those ads which try to instill confidence with a blank warranty card or a claim on remaining time on warranty.

A final note: There are still companies out there with great customer service who will extend warranties etc with no hassle, this thread is just to cover all aspects of used equipment and to shed light on a sometimes misleading ad.
platsolos

Showing 1 response by ncarv

Warranty cards are meaningless. They are only marketing tools. The only thing you need (and must have!) is a receipt from an authorized dealer. Years ago, warranty cards were used to avoid warranties when people didn't send them in, but that was changed through federal law a long time ago.
As for discontinuance of transferable warranties, are cars next? I think business is hurting and, because of great opportunities for second hand product, like audiogon, manufacturers are coming up with self-defeating ways in an attempt to curb the second hand trade, or, at least, limit the value of items bought used.
The shortsightedness is that a robust second hand market allows and encourages people to move up to more new product.
Most people couldn't afford, or would hesitate, to purchase something new and improved if they couldn't sell their old stuff. More product in more hands inevitably creates more opportunities for more product sales, since there is greater interest in this insane "hobby".