Just wondering: Did you buy "extended waranties" with your big-ticket electronic purchases?

one man's opinion

[ken5050]

I've never been a fan, or a purchaser, or so called "extended warranties" that all stores nowadays offer, indeed PUSH to sell you on big ticket items liek computers, plasma TVs..etc.. I think they're a rip off..I was reading an article in today's WSJ which seems to concur with that assessment. It mentions that Wal-Mart is now enetering the warranty business, which should cause prices to drop...So, I was wondering what you all thought about it...or had any personal experiences with them..

[ken5050]

The WSJ article mentioned going to three electronics stors, and pricing a 42" plasma TV for about $1600. In all three cases, the warranty was $400..

Has anyone had experience with filing a claim on them? Is the cost of shipping the thing back worth it?..and the delay until it comes back repaired?

Can you negotiate the price of the warranty with the stores? The article mentions that about 50% or more, of the warranty is PURE PROFITY for the retailer..

I may decide to make one big plasma flatscreen TV purchase in an after Christmas sale..if I find a really good deal..and might take the warranty if an here say it's worth it..

Your thoughts??

[ClearCase_guy]

My IQ is above room temeperature, so, No, I haven't purchased one of these.

[sticker]

Extended warranty are nothing but gravy for the dealer

[Blood of Tyrants]

Think of it this way, the insurance company that sells the warranty is betting that the item WILL NOT malfunction before the end of the warranty and you are betting that it is. Who do you think has more information about which is the better bet?

[rawcatslyentist]

So in actuality you paid 2000.00 for a tv guaranteed to play for 5 yrs.

What is the price of that tv going to be in 5 yrs? 500 new?

Oh yeah its a good deal for everyone but you.

[flashbunny]

Don't even think of buying a plasma screen TV. If you're going flat panel, go lcd.

[SoothingDave]

Did you buy "extended waranties" with your big-ticket electronic purchases?

Sure. I also get my car serviced at the dealership.

SD

[Fenris6]

LOL. You know, we almost walked out of a Toyota showroom after agreeing to buy a new car. They sent us into some guy's office to "finish the paperwork" and he got all huffy because we refused all the gimmicky warranties and add-ons he was trying to hawk.

[Roccus]

Not this year, but when I bought my first home a few years ago I also bought my first TV larger than 19". Though I normaly don't do it, this time I got the extended warranty as well. Last Feb. it went out on me....on the exact last day of the warranty. Saved me a bundle. }:^)

[RouxStir]

Buy the TV for $1600. Put the $400 in the stock market. See which one is worth anything five years later.

[scott says]

Normally I don't buy extended warranties, but I'm sure glad I did on a 53" Sony TV. A buddy of mine worked at the store and encouraged me to do it...3 years after the purchase one of the tubes blew and the store replaced the TV with a brand new 57" Sony- no charge.For a TV I would buy the extended warranty just because of my experience.

[Christopher Dion]

I actually did, only after they threw in TechTool Deluxe AND dropped the price by 2/3. Which still means I still got screwed. But this is my first laptop... THEY PLAYED ON MY FEARS!!! Thanks AlGore.

[drefoo]

Can you negotiate cost of warranty- Yes. They can come off the cost of the television, or even throw that warranty in for free. You have to be able to have the nerve to say, "You can't lower the cost? Well I want to speak to the person here that does what to sell this item to me." All big ticket items can be haggled, but be willing to walk out the door if they don't.
Also, on a big ticket item, it's in the air as far as getting the warranty is concerned. Keep in mind that somewhere in that fine print, warranty or not, it states that they are not responsible for it and they'll fix it only for certain reasons.