Comments on: A Belated Customer Service Valentine

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:27:47 +0000

Here’s an update… I heard back from Assurant. I’ll be receiving a check for the second laptop warranty – enough to purchase another with similar features or better. It was hard shelling out $399 for a 3-year warranty, but in retrospect, and in light of the laptop’s original sales price, it was worth it.

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:35:08 +0000

I tend to agree with you, Paul, about extended warranties. But I do make an exception for electronics owned by teenage boys…! (At least, my boy.)
All I can say is… Apple has come through in a big way on the iPod warranty!

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:14:49 +0000

I used to think so, too, Paul. In fact, when I first attempted to wade through the warranty problem, the out-of-country issue was a barrier to overcome. At that point, I thought the warranty wasn’t worth the paper it was written on. However, most people wouldn’t have to deal with that.
I think one needs to do the cost-benefit analysis on warranties. If the product costs a lot, then perhaps the extension is worth the additional expense. One thing to keep in mind… some credit card companies offer a one-year extended warranty on any product you purchase with that card. That is sometimes enough to allay the fears.

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:23:53 +0000

Elaine, I used to and still think extended warranties are a rip off. In fact, most of the big electronics retailers “make their numbers” solely through the sale of these contracts.
That said, your post is causing doubt to creep into my earlier assumption. Thanks for sharing your experience!