OT: Hysterical Laugh of the Day

"Jim Thompson" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

I was offered one in Radio Shack for a 99 cent mouse pad.

Well, yes. But _they're_ way better off if you buy the extended warranty.

"Jim Thompson" schreef in bericht news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

How long does this "extended service" last? They try to sell this kind of "extended warranty" all over the world I suppose and here the time varies from one to three years. Which is easy money as consumer rights are upgraded lately and the seller has to repair or replace equipment that gets defective within resonable time. For electric/electronic equipment like a microwave three years is a reasonable time.

petrus bitbyter

What did Consumer Reports say about the reliability of this oven?

Poor Homer J Simpleton... shame to be so inadequate to need to seek attention... even if it is adverse.

Back on topic...

Some years ago I had a cashier in Best Buy try to sell me extended warranties on several cheapy VCR's that I was buying to gut for the tuners.

I explained what I was doing, but he assured me that the warranty would still be valid.

Come to think of it the cashier did bear a strong resemblance to Homer J Simpleton ;-)

...Jim Thompson

People fall for this crap every day. I still haven't convinced my wife that extended warranties are the best bet in the house, *for the house.* Ever read the terms of one of these scams? Most of them carefully exclude the failure modes that actually happen. Some of them require you to return the device to the manufacturer, not the store (guess who pays the freight, both ways). This the electronic dealer's version of the old car dealer's hustle of quoting a lowball price, then mentioning that it only applies if you use his finance company, with the BOHICA terms.

I was doing vcr repair back when they cost about $230. I'd see the receipts for warranty repairs. The rent to own companys charged almost $1100 for the $230 vcr's. Now that's high finance. Mike

That's when it's time to ask, "What part of 'no' don't you understand?" ;-)

Cheers! Rich

"Jim Thompson" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

No doubt he took you for the buffoon you are.

I didn't even look... it's Panasonic and $119 ;-)

...Jim Thompson

The extended service plan means that the company believes you will not make a claim (it's a loss to the company) because the microwave will probably last longer than you're willing to keep it. It's a nice sign that it's offered but I think it's goofy to accept.. It's a quirky condition...The offer is good...to accept is bad.

It also works as a marketing ploy that adds the feature (delusion?) of comfort and security...but at a price.. Without it, it's your fault if something goes wrong.. It also serves a little bit to make the company look good even when their product fails in the long term. (Customer service: Why are you complaining? If it's was so important to you..you should have gotten the extended warranty.. blah blah blah)

It's also a "profit machine" that feeds on people that worry. If I saw statistics on male/female applications on extended service plans...I'd bet 70% female applicants.

I never go for the extended service plan. I have my "in the garbage" plan. Not once have I gone..."Damn! I wish I got that extended service plan.." I've denied so many extended warranties, saved so much money..If something goes wrong, it probably balances out ok.

Better to buy $85.00 in lottery tickets.. D from BC

I buy extended warranties (+3%) on cars, but then I tend to keep a car for 10+ years.

...Jim Thompson

"Jim Thompson" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

"Jim Thompson" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

IIRC Consumer Reports said in years past that almost any service contract is not worth it. (Like taking insurance in black jack)

hmm... that's a close call! Mike

I am looking to replace my 20 year old pickup truck, only because Ford cant tell me what bolts are supposed to hold the A/C compressor in place. FMC destroyed all the parts records for anything over 10 years old early last year. What do you think the chances of Ford even being on the list for my next vehicle?

OTOH, the 28 year old Dodge pickup with shell that I plan on doing a frame off restoration ion still has almost every part available. I can't drive it till I change the engine with the rebuilt 225 CID slant six that is waiting in my garage. It is one of a limited edition. Only

No-one has yet mentioned the maha-conundrum of these contracts: when you're offered a "house" 3-year extended warranty (by the retailer), typically the first year of that is already covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Yet they insist on calling it a 3-year warranty.

It's not that they offer these trying to get my $$ uselessly that gets to me, but that A) they insult my intelligence by calling it something it isn't, and B) they don't understand this unless you take the time and patience to point it out. Which is usually an exercise in frustration in itself.

I have bought extended warranties on laptop computers. Usually worth it. Something's always breaking on those. On nothing else, however.

Digital cameras and camcorders - as long as dropping is included?

"225 CID slant six" ??

I had a 1964 Dodge Dart with that engine.

...Jim Thompson