Re: Extended warranty on electronics

Tony you and I have some of the same ideas. One thing I do to save money on
electronics is buy the previous generation device just before it disappears.
After a manufacturer introduces a new model that's when I keep an eye on the
device the new model replaces. By doing this I got my last HD based MP3
player, a 20GB mp3/photo device for $110 versus the $200 it fetched a few
months earlier. I too love refurbished units. I've only had one refurb
fail quickly. I must be a pretty easy customer. I've had devices with
notoriously poor reputations that last forever. I've been a customer of
companies that set the bar for bad service and had no problem with them. My
views with refurbished units is that they are at least 100% tested for
quality control versus units coming off the production line which may only
be spot checked. The refurb process from quality companies tests the device
for all quality issues except cosmetics. The key is to make sure the refurb
price is low enough to take a small risk of early failure. Of course if
someone tried a few refurbs and had them fail they will not likely try
again, so there is a certain amount of luck.

One thing I noticed during the highpoint of pre-Ipod mp3 players was that
the people that convince themself they have to have the device that was just
released, even if they have no need for the new features, really are
throwing their money away. Sometimes all you have to do is start a rumor
that a new device is on the way or in use in Hong Kong and some customers
that were very happy with something become depressed because some kid in
Taiwan might have a newer unit.

One trick I use is stay with the #2 competitor in a market. They have the
sales volume to uncover any poor quality quickly and they try harder by
keeping a price low or adding features. As #2 releases product faster they
have more "leftover" units with dropping prices.

--

Scott

"People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks
them."
Eric Hoffer

"~Tony~" <alprovaNS@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Xns99F193E64CC17alprovaNScomcastnet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CCBlack <ccblack120@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in news:9f9213b3-21da-44f7-8872-
405e5a297b0b@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:

Back in 2003 ( or so ) I purchased a laptop computer for use at home
and in my truck. I purchased it at a local Fry's electronics. It's a
Fujitsu. I've had stellar performance from the thing and never a
problem with it. It's been bouncing with me in an 18-wheeler along
the nations interstates for the past 4 years.

Now keep in mind I do baby the thing. It's always in it's case when
not in use. But it makes me wonder why in the heck I got the extended
warranty from Fry's. The warranty added about $ 200 or so to the
overall cost.

I'd recommend anyone purchasing a laptop NOT to get the extended
warranty. It's a waste of money. And don't let the salesperson try
to talk you into one no matter what. I've heard from Clark Howard's
show that some stores once they find out you don't want the extended
warranty will all of a sudden tell you the item you want to purchase
is no longer in stock.

Just turn around and walk out if they try to pull that crap.

Chris


I don't know Fry's reputation, but if you have heard Clark Howard speak
on the issue of extended warranties, he states plainly that there is
little reason to ever purchase one.

If there are issues with electronics, they usually rear their ugly heads
long before the manufacturer's warranty expires. The hidden costs that
consumers are saddled with, make them poor values. Shipping items back
and forth come out of the consumer's pocket. Service calls for household
items are not often covered, etc.

And the fact that most electronics, if you are patient and wait to buy
them after the rush to have them is over, are cheap enough that the cost
of the warranty in many cases, is more than the item will cost you.

I've even had good luck with buying remanufactured electronic items.
You'll see these at the truckstops more often than anywhere else. I will
not buy electronics from Pilot, because they are horrible to deal with
when something goes wrong. They gave me immense static over a VCR movie
that was totally erased prior to my buying it.

I will only buy from either Flying J or the Wilco chains.

I'm using a remanufactured TV/DVD combo unit that I bought for $119.95
from Flying J bakc in the spring, and so far no problems at all.

~Tony~
--
http//truckerscorner.forumlands.com/

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