I am sure this has been asked before but I am still not sure what to do. Just bought a 50pz700u TV and cannot decide if I should spring for an extended warranty or not. My purchase was from BB and they are offering $399 on the unit.

Any thoughts on this versus online warranties?

I am sure this has been asked before but I am still not sure what to do.I would just search this forum and the General Flat Panel forum for the keyword Warranty - you'll find tons of existing discussion and information and links to vendors who sell aftermarket warranties for much less than BB's.

I would just search this forum and the General Flat Panel forum for the keyword Warranty - you'll find tons of existing discussion and information and links to vendors who sell aftermarket warranties for much less than BB's.

Listen to the man. $400 sounds awfully expensive for an extended warranty.

A Mack or Repairmaster (in-home service warranty) will be almost identical in coverage to any BB or CC service plan for less money.

Chris

I am sure this has been asked before but I am still not sure what to do. Just bought a 50pz700u TV and cannot decide if I should spring for an extended warranty or not. My purchase was from BB and they are offering $399 on the unit.

Any thoughts on this versus online warranties?
DO NOT BUY EXTENDED WARRANTIES!
They are a waste of money. Listen to the independent experts, nearly all of them advise against purchasing extended warranties in most cases. Here are some links.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs/hdtv-12-06/extended-warranties/1206_hdtv_warranty_1.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=2&searchTerm=extended%20warranties%20plasma
http://biz.yahoo.com/conreps/061106/020.html?.v=8
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/30/AR2006093000148.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003788626_warranties14.html

DO NOT BUY EXTENDED WARRANTIES!
They are a waste of money. Listen to the independent experts, nearly all of them advise against purchasing extended warranties in most cases. Here are some links.



I got mine from Mack for $130. I returned a CC warranty for $569(!) but also on my ticket was a line item for $100 discount they offered at the time of sale. When I returned it, they gave me $569 and didn't recoup the $100. I brought this to their attention and they said they couldn't do anything about it so my extended warranty cost $30. I didn't intend to do this an even tried to give them their money back but if Mack can make money on them for $130, it shows you how much juice is in the ones from CC/BB/etc.

I am considering going with a Mack possibly in this case or none at all. I had a BB warranty on my 32" CRT that I never used.

DO NOT BUY EXTENDED WARRANTIES!
They are a waste of money. Listen to the independent experts, nearly all of them advise against purchasing extended warranties in most cases. Here are some links.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs/hdtv-12-06/extended-warranties/1206_hdtv_warranty_1.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=2&searchTerm=extended%20warranties%20plasma
http://biz.yahoo.com/conreps/061106/020.html?.v=8
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/30/AR2006093000148.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003788626_warranties14.html

I think those evaluations take into account the prices typical stores like BB and CC charge. At the prices the forum sponsors charge, I think the cost-benefit analysis changes. Just my 2 cents. And, yes, I did purchase an extended warranty through Invision. :D

I think those evaluations take into account the prices typical stores like BB and CC charge. At the prices the forum sponsors charge, I think the cost-benefit analysis changes. Just my 2 cents. And, yes, I did purchase an extended warranty through Invision. :D

Can I buy a Mack or other warranty through them even though I did not purchase the TV there?

[QUOTE=Buckeye911]DO NOT BUY EXTENDED WARRANTIES!
They are a waste of money. Listen to the independent experts, nearly all of them advise against purchasing extended warranties in most cases. Here are some links.
QUOTE]

Your opinion and I am glad you have one. But how about all the instances of people having to buy a new TV after things happen and they are not covered?

Can I buy a Mack or other warranty through them even though I did not purchase the TV there?

Yes. You have 30 days I think.

[QUOTE=Buckeye911]DO NOT BUY EXTENDED WARRANTIES!
They are a waste of money. Listen to the independent experts, nearly all of them advise against purchasing extended warranties in most cases. Here are some links.
QUOTE]

Your opinion and I am glad you have one. But how about all the instances of people having to buy a new TV after things happen and they are not covered?
It is true that there are rare instances where this happens. I'm not a gambler but I do play the odds. I have purchased hundreds of CEs in my lifetime and have never purchased an extended warranty. I would have benefited from having one exactly zero times. On the other hand, my parents always purchase extended warranties and did actually benefit once on a tv about 15 years ago. I guess for some who are intending their purchase to last for many years a reasonably priced warranty may give them peace of mind but surely you would agree that people who spend 25% of the purchase price of the item for a warranty are basically throwing money away. Can you believe I was once asked if I wanted to purchase an extended warranty for a $10 dvd at Kmart? It was $1.99 for a three year warranty. :rolleyes: I know that the warranties you offer are more reasonably priced, maybe worth considering for some technologies like rear projection tvs that are not very reliable compared to other tv technologies.

For me it would never make sense because I like to flip my electronics every few years anyway, except for one pair of Advent floor speakers that I've had for 25 years that still sound great. :) Anyway I appreciate you being a forum sponsor and I do look at your site when I'm shopping for CE.

DO NOT BUY EXTENDED WARRANTIES!
They are a waste of money. Listen to the independent experts, nearly all of them advise against purchasing extended warranties in most cases. I think if one or more of those experts experienced a video board failure or power supply failure or (gulp?) panel failure say two years after their factory warranty had expired i think they might sing a different tune. I know the chance of such a catastrophic failure is slight, but some people like to be covered in case it does happen.

And it's a good point about price points ($400-600 at B&M vs $130-$200 online).

Warranties are like insurance - some people like to have it and are willing to pay for it, while others don't believe in it and are willing to take their chances for the 3 years after their factory warranty expires.

I'd rather pay a little now for the peace of mind of knowing that even one component failure will pay for the warranty once or twice over. The minimum parts and labor repair charge for a failure on a plasma TV for instance is about $700, and if the panel itself fails the TV is not worth repairing and you end up buying a new one. I'd gladly pay a few hundred up front for 3 extra years of worry-free plasma ownership.

I buy a lot of electronic stuff but i only buy warranties on the more expensive items, and every one i've bought has paid off big time when the item failed. Sony Trinitron TV: $125 warranty paid for almost $500 in repairs. Sony VCR: $25 warranty paid for one $125 repair then when it failed again a year later it was replaced with a brand new and better unit. All the money i've saved on those warranties has paid for one and now soon to be two plasma warranties and i'm still money ahead.

And the big warranty was on my 2001 VW - my $900/10-year extended warranty has so far paid for over $4,000 in various repairs on the 28,000 mile car over the last 3 years - the most recent being a brand new transmission installed and a wheel bearing all covered under the warranty. And i still have 4 years of coverage left for future repairs! I'm over $3,000 ahead on this warranty.

And i'm currently lementing the fact that i did not opt for the $60 warranty when i bought my A/V receiver from CC 3 years ago. It blew an amp a few weeks ago and is in the repair shop and i'm looking at a $250 out-of-pocket repair bill. Had i bought the warranty i would have been $190 ahead. Ummph.

I have profited on every warranty i've bought, and lost money on the one warranty that i decided not to buy. I just bought a new 2nd plasma and i'll definitely be buying an extended warranty for it.

I think if one or more of those experts experienced a video board failure or power supply failure or (gulp?) panel failure say two years after their factory warranty had expired i think they might sing a different tune. I know the chance of such a catastrophic failure is slight, but some people like to be covered in case it does happen.

And it's a good point about price points ($400-600 at B&M vs $130-$200 online).

Warranties are like insurance - some people like to have it and are willing to pay for it, while others don't believe in it and are willing to take their chances for the 3 years after their factory warranty expires.

I'd rather pay a little now for the peace of mind of knowing that even one component failure will pay for the warranty once or twice over. The minimum parts and labor repair charge for a failure on a plasma TV for instance is about $700, and if the panel itself fails the TV is not worth repairing and you end up buying a new one. I'd gladly pay a few hundred up front for 3 extra years of worry-free plasma ownership.

I buy a lot of electronic stuff but i only buy warranties on the more expensive items, and every one i've bought has paid off big time when the item failed. Sony Trinitron TV: $125 warranty paid for almost $500 in repairs. Sony VCR: $25 warranty paid for one $125 repair then when it failed again a year later it was replaced with a brand new and better unit. All the money i've saved on those warranties has paid for one and now soon to be two plasma warranties and i'm still money ahead.

And the big warranty was on my 2001 VW - my $900/10-year extended warranty has so far paid for over $4,000 in various repairs on the 28,000 mile car over the last 3 years - the most recent being a brand new transmission installed and a wheel bearing all covered under the warranty. And i still have 4 years of coverage left for future repairs! I'm over $3,000 ahead on this warranty.

And i'm currently lementing the fact that i did not opt for the $60 warranty when i bought my A/V receiver from CC 3 years ago. It blew an amp a few weeks ago and is in the repair shop and i'm looking at a $250 out-of-pocket repair bill. Had i bought the warranty i would have been $190 ahead. Ummph.

I have profited on every warranty i've bought, and lost money on the one warranty that i decided not to buy. I just bought a new 2nd plasma and i'll definitely be buying an extended warranty for it.
Wow, you must be the unluckiest CE purchaser of all time. Every warranty has paid off? What are you doing to your equipment? The only product failures I've ever experienced have occurred within the manufacturer's warranty period. I do considerable research before any major purchase so maybe that has something to do with why most of my buys prove to be reliable. I've probably cursed myself now and my 42px60u that I've had for 13 months will probably blow up but so far I could probably set up a new home theater with the money I have save by not purchasing extended warranties.

According to "Consumer Reports" the average repair cost for a plasma or LCD tv is about $200. As for VW, if you read Consumer Reports you would have known of their very poor reliability record up front. Even if your repairs are being covered it must be very frustrating to have your car in the shop and unavailable so often.

The bottom line is everyone has their opinion and personal philosophy. I certainly do not think any less of you because you disagree with me. I can understand why some feel more comfortable in the knowledge that if something goes wrong they won't suffer significant out of pocket expenses. My parents feel this way. For me, if something breaks it just gives me an excuse to upgrade again. I'm not rich by any means but if I've had something for several years I get itchy to get something new and improved. You should have seen all the old AV gear I had in my garage before I started giving it away recently.

BTW, your picture looks a lot like a guy I work with named Walters. Do you have any relatives in southeastern Virginia?

Read about the consequences ($$$) of in and out of warranty service on the off brand name panels at

www.hdguru.com

I've decided to pass on an EW on my new Panny. Given Panny's long experience making plasmas, I feel that the risk of something going wrong within 5 years after the mfg warranty expires is relatively low. A plasma has no moving parts (my PX77U doesn't even use a fan), which further reduces the likelihood of problems.

Even $200 that would be spent on a 3rd party warranty, if invested, will be worth $300 or so in 5 years, which could be used towards any necessary repairs if and when they're needed. The B&M EW's are a rip off IMO. They account for something like 30% of the store's profits. This wouldn't be the case unless claims expenses were very low. They're very good at appealing to customers' fears.

When I purchased my Sony KV-34XBR910, I believed I was purchasing a TV that would be with me for the next 10 years or so. That was my experience with my Panny SuperBlack Flat 27" CRT. I was dropping $2200 for the Sony, and it seemed cheap to add the $150 to the cost.

In February, I finally accepted there was a green blob growing in the left corner of the TV's picture. I exercised my extended warranty, and they attempted to fix it.... 5 months later, I'm getting a check for $1440 (the initial repair facility stunk and kept the TV over 2 1/2 months on two attempts to fix it - second place said "You need a new tube and some other parts"). I'd say that $150 spent 3 years ago is going to pay off.

I'm now looking at what TV to get to replace the Sony. The Sony is mine to keep in the end... or sell off "As Is". I'll buy an extended warranty for the replacement. At some price point, a warranty makes sense. A $500 warranty for a $2000 TV might be a bit high... but at $200, that isn't out of hand.

It is true that there are rare instances where this happens. I'm not a gambler but I do play the odds. I have purchased hundreds of CEs in my lifetime and have never purchased an extended warranty. I would have benefited from having one exactly zero times.
I've had ext warranty service on:

1 Canon camcorder
1 Dell laptop (multiple times)
1 NEC VCR (just squeaked in on that one. died the day before the ext warr expired)
1 Toshiba 36" tube TV (came out twice on it before picking it up to take to the shop)

In addition I've had a couple of DirecTV receivers die on me. No ext warranty on those though as I bought both at Walmart for around $50. Were cheap to replace.

I just bought a Pioneer PDP-6070HD....did I get an extended warranty? You bet your a** I did. For what that thing costs I don't need to be putting out any more money to fix it in the next 4 years should it fail.

Allow me to preface my comments by saying I only buy everything I can from Abt so other extended warranties may differ.

When my Maytag Skybox starting acting up and parts weren't available, They gave me a full refund including the price of the extended warranty.


Abt also comes out and calibrates my TV for free. When I sold my last TV, the transferrable warranty more than paid for itself in a higher resale value (IMHO). They'll also update firmware, at your home, as part of the upgraded warranty.

Again, I have no idea what BBY or CC cover in their warranty but I think saying all extended warranties is a waste is painting with a very broad brush indeed. Additionally, Consumer Reports does recommend extended warranties on large TV and treadmills.

Credit card companies sometimes offer them too (when purchased on their card). I got a 5yr for my samsung plasma through Visa for $130, and they said a 3yr would be $75. They even cover dead pixels, which surprised me. For that price I like having the piece of mind.

BTW, Visa also automaically adds an extra year to the manufacturer's 1yr, which I had no idea about either.

Ended up getting the Mack warranty through Texas Tapeworks.

Credit card companies sometimes offer them too (when purchased on their card). I got a 5yr for my samsung plasma through Visa for $130, and they said a 3yr would be $75. They even cover dead pixels, which surprised me. For that price I like having the piece of mind.

BTW, Visa also automaically adds an extra year to the manufacturer's 1yr, which I had no idea about either.


Siafu, regarding the visa comment... Dont you have to be a special status Visa card holder for that to be true?

I checked up on Mastercard and you have to be a 'Gold Member to get that type of protection....