Wondering about standard practices in the industry...If I purchase a used but reasonably new bike, frame, etc. (say less than 1 year old), which comes with a warranty card but not a sales receipt, can I send in the card under my own name to get covered under the warranty?
Mike Jacoubowsky 11 March 2005 05:23:46 [ permanent link ]
Wondering about standard practices in the industry...If I purchase a> used but reasonably new bike, frame, etc. (say less than 1 year old),> which comes with a warranty card but not a sales receipt, can I send in> the card under my own name to get covered under the warranty?
Generally not; in most cases they require a sales receipt, not just a warranty card. The exceptions are for warranty cards that require detailed information regarding the point-of-purchase. The main reason for manufacturers to include "warranty" cards are two-fold-
#1: Marketing. Ever notice how nearly all warranty cards go to the same place, regardless of manufacturer? Someplace in Colorado, if I recall correctly. My guess is that they process warranty cards at low or no cost in exchange for the marketing info.
#2: Recalls. Manufacturers are required to contact customers in the event of a product recall, and the info on warranty cards makes that much easier to do.
In article <Cq6Yd.16234$Pz7.7022@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com>, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <MikeJ@ChainReaction.com> wrote:
The main reason for > manufacturers to include "warranty" cards are two-fold->
#1: Marketing. Ever notice how nearly all warranty cards go to the same > place, regardless of manufacturer? Someplace in Colorado, if I recall > correctly. My guess is that they process warranty cards at low or no cost in > exchange for the marketing info.
Most bicycle company warranty cards go to a PO box in Denver. This is Rodale. From the manufacturers that I have asked about it, they NEVER receive any information from them. They just receive a fee from Rodale for every card that they receive. Pure marketing.
Thanks for the answers, guys. Wow...pretty darn deceptive if you ask me.
Todd Kuzma wrote:> In article <Cq6Yd.16234$Pz7.7022@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com>,> "Mike Jacoubowsky" <MikeJ@ChainReaction.com> wrote:>
The main reason for> > manufacturers to include "warranty" cards are two-fold-> >
#1: Marketing. Ever notice how nearly all warranty cards go to the
same> > place, regardless of manufacturer? Someplace in Colorado, if I recall> > correctly. My guess is that they process warranty cards at low or no cost in> > exchange for the marketing info.>
Most bicycle company warranty cards go to a PO box in Denver. This
Rodale. From the manufacturers that I have asked about it, they
NEVER> receive any information from them. They just receive a fee from Rodale> for every card that they receive. Pure marketing.>
Wondering about standard practices in the industry...If I purchase a> used but reasonably new bike, frame, etc. (say less than 1 year old),> which comes with a warranty card but not a sales receipt, can I send in> the card under my own name to get covered under the warranty?>
Most companies aren't too sticky about the papers as long as you can prove you paid for it. I'd keep a photocopy of whatever you mail them. You'll get more and better warranty coverage from a reasonably competent dealer than the manufacturer for most small problems.
If you should have a frame failure (rare) the paperwork suddenly becomes more important.
