Want a product to go with your extended warranty Sir ? (Comet.co.uk)

Name: johnt

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Comet.co.uk
Date:	03/09/00 (397 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: peace of mind ? but at a price

Disadvantages: over priced, often little use

Over the years I've bought quite a few bits from Comet, their prices and service have been fairly good so no problems there.

However almost every time I've bought something reasonably expensive from them at the point of sale they always ask you if you'd like an extended warranty. This is one of those commission led, high profit items that Comet and many other electrical retailer will try and get you to sign up to. Quite often they can make more money on the warranty than on the item they sell.

Many times the salesman will try to mislead you as to the cost of repair should it break down. I've had dixons tell me that a Sky remote might be £60 to replace, they actually cost less than £20. These people try and play on fears about the reliablility of your new product, it's the "better safe than sorry" that often sells it.

My advice is to steer clear of these schemes, often they are overpriced and with the advances in production electronics are far more reliable these days.Anyway a new video is only £90 so why spend £60 on a warranty just in case ? This is particularly so for new pc's, warranties for a £1000 machine can be as high as £300 for 5 years, yet after the first couple of years if it goes wrong you can upgrade the faulty part to a faster spec for a lot less money.

If you do want piece of mind shop around. Some credit cards give a second year warranty free, some independants such as Heelas give a free 5 year warranty with their tv's and two years with many other electrical items. Comet give a refund on the warranty price if you don't make a claim on it - but a pity if you have to use it. Richer sounds do a 2yr one for just £10 as do Staples on some products. For washing machines Philips Whirlpool do a 10 year parts warranty for £24, the call out is £62 but thats all you will pay for a breakdown. Ariston did a 5 year parts warranty free, think they still do it.Some insurance compaines wi
ll do independant warranties that cover a number of appliances for a flat monthly fee.

Above all else haggle, don't say yes straight away. I've never known a salesman not to drop the price of their warranty dramatically if you shy away.

If they get pushy then walk out, there's plenty of other shops out there.

Summary: