We’ve all seen those little warranty cards that come with the products we’ve purchased. Sometimes it can seem like a real bother to fill out the card, but if you fail to register your product correctly, it can come back to haunt you later. Here are the top 5 things you should do after you purchased an item that comes with a warranty:
1. Read the warranty. A really simple step, but make sure you read all the fine print about what is covered and what is not. Also note any limitations on service or use, some warranties are nullified under certain conditions - make sure you know those for the product you purchased.
2. Keep the receipt for any item for the entire term of the warranty. We keep our receipts in a file and staple warranty information and the original sales receipt (or a copy) to the instruction manual. At the end of the warranty period we toss the receipt.
3. Save the box the product came in until the store’s replacement time is up. Some stores won’t even take a return if you don’t have the original packaging. Most stores have a 90 day return policy and some have restocking fees, so make sure you know the store’s policy and their return time frames. If you have any problems or issues with the item return it to the place you purchased it for a refund or exchange before the return time is up.
4. Fill out the warranty and send the warranty card in if you are required to do so. Failure to fill out the appropriate forms can invalidate your warranty. A second benefit of sending in the warranty card (or registering the product online if that is an option) is that you can get valuable updates on the product and the company will already have your information should you need to return it after the store’s return time is up.
5. Read the instruction manual on proper use, care, and maintenance of the product. Make sure you know how to take care of the item (proper method of cleaning it, etc.) and be aware of any maintenance steps you need to take to keep the warranty valid.
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33 responses so far ↓
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11 Tyler Ingram // May 10, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Most people (in my experience anyway) never fill out that warranty card. I’m one of them! Well I think I might of done it once because Canon actually required it for their warranty.
I do keep the boxes and receipts for at least the term of the warranty for smaller items. I keep the boxes past the store’s return policy because it is also easier to ship it back to the manufacturer in case it needs repair.
Good top 5!
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