Best Buy extended two year warranty

[kkeo211]

I purchased rock band about 2 weeks ago and was offered and extended warranty from Best Buy for $29. I didn't get it but was tolled I could come back with in 30 days to purchase it. Now after reading some of these threads I feel like it might be a good idea.

I was told that it would cover replacments for any reason for TWO YEARS!!!!

Being that the HMX warranty is only for 60 days, this might turn out to be a good investment. But that also pushed the cost over $200 bucks. I don't play games much and this was sort of an expensive game purchase for me. I do really like it a lot because me and my wife can play ( she dosn't play any other games with me). So I would like to continue to use it for a long time.

Anyone have any experience with Best Buy honering this warranty, its not a fix warranty, its suppose to be a replacement. I realize that it might take a while for them to stock up sense they have been selling out so it might be a hassell to get a replacement same day, but I'm just thinking long run.

Any help would be great.

[Nekura20x6]

I also got the Best Buy replacement warranty, but there is something you need to know: it is good for one completely replacement only. After that, you're on your own. Once they replace it, they consider the matter closed - it's not a "we'll keep fixing your stuff for 2 years".

Because of this, I used EA's support for my first round of returns. (Hopefully, I won't need any more.) The Best Buy warranty was just to cover the drums in case two years of Rock Band parties finally wears them out.

[keasterly]

(Best Buy Employee)

If the product is replaced during the 60-day manufacturer's warranty, the replacement plan is still active and nothing changes.

If the product is replaced after the 60-day manufacturer's warranty expires, the replacement plan is fulfilled (used up) - but you may buy another one for the replacement product - $30 is a bit less than dropping $170 on a whole new bundle should it break.

The only disadvantage at the moment is that the bundles are in short supply in most places, but that should even out after December passes - until then, use your 60-day EA replacement warranty.

Be sure to get the replacement plan before anything actually breaks - some stores will want to physically inspect the product getting the PRP if purchased after the original sale, even within the 30 day window.

[kkeo211]

So I guess its still worth it if something happens after the 60 days. I would suck if after 61 days it messes up.

Question?

So Best Buy replaces the entire unit, not just the broken piece?

Thanks,

[gamblendubs]

(Best Buy Employee)

If the product is replaced during the 60-day manufacturer's warranty, the replacement plan is still active and nothing changes.

If the product is replaced after the 60-day manufacturer's warranty expires, the replacement plan is fulfilled (used up) - but you may buy another one for the replacement product - $30 is a bit less than dropping $170 on a whole new bundle should it break.

The only disadvantage at the moment is that the bundles are in short supply in most places, but that should even out after December passes - until then, use your 60-day EA replacement warranty.

Be sure to get the replacement plan before anything actually breaks - some stores will want to physically inspect the product getting the PRP if purchased after the original sale, even within the 30 day window.

Does Best Buy actually honor those PRPs or if I bring in Rockband 7 months down the road are they going to make up something and say its not covered because I did this or that to it? Can a consumer get screwed by the fine print?

The reason I ask is because I put in Best Buy Warrenty into a google search and it came back with pages of negativity towards it.

[makalaka]

I'm not sure but you may not be able to get a replacement the same day. When I bought my psp I got the plan. The instructions say if you have a problem call them up and they will send you a box. You ship your item to them (pretty sure they pay for shipping) and then will inspect it to make sure its not been intentionally damaged. Then they will send you you a coupon worth what ever you paid. You take that coupon and buy a new one.

I never used the warranty though and I got it over 2 years ago. So, it may not work like that anymore. Also the rock band box is pretty big. I don't think shipping it to them is a good option. But if I remember correctly the plan covered anything thats worth up to $250, there's got to be something else in that store with the same size box or bigger...

[wickedbadz]

Extended warranties from any retail store are a joke and ripoff, it's always been that way and will never change.
Best Buys just happens to be one of the worst. Like the one poster said, google it.

[keasterly]

So Best Buy replaces the entire unit, not just the broken piece?

In all cases it should be the entire unit, everything in the box (including the game disc.)


Does Best Buy actually honor those PRPs or if I bring in Rockband 7 months down the road are they going to make up something and say its not covered because I did this or that to it? Can a consumer get screwed by the fine print?

The reason I ask is because I put in Best Buy Warrenty into a google search and it came back with pages of negativity towards it.

There is some fine print in the PRP literature, you should read it before purchasing. The only things to look out for are that it doesn't cover accidental or intentional physical damage (knocking it over, etc.) Wear and tear from normal use is covered, so drums failing from being played would be covered - tripping over the cable from the drums and shattering them into a million pieces isn't. There's a few other things like that (rodent damage, flood damage, etc.) that aren't covered.

You can always call the national number or go on BestBuy.com and exchange that way.

On that note...


I'm not sure but you may not be able to get a replacement the same day. When I bought my psp I got the plan. The instructions say if you have a problem call them up and they will send you a box. You ship your item to them (pretty sure they pay for shipping) and then will inspect it to make sure its not been intentionally damaged. Then they will send you you a coupon worth what ever you paid. You take that coupon and buy a new one.

I never used the warranty though and I got it over 2 years ago. So, it may not work like that anymore. Also the rock band box is pretty big. I don't think shipping it to them is a good option. But if I remember correctly the plan covered anything thats worth up to $250, there's got to be something else in that store with the same size box or bigger...

Ideally, you would call or go on-line and do it that way, but most stores will let you bring the product in and swap it there. If the replacement is out of stock, you'll get a store credit voucher for the amount of the replacement.

If you want to know exactly how the replacement works, talk with a manager or customer service desk employee at your local store - the media/gaming associate might know, but the manager/CS rep will be the one doing the exchange, so check with them to be sure.

[Bjorn]

So, here's my experience with Best Buy's Warranty. First off, you have to keep the warranty pamphlet and the receipt, or else they won't honor it. Second, it's not an in and out swap of the merchandise. You have to call a 1-800 number and they'll mail you the info you need to mail it to them. Then you have to box it up and mail it out at your own cost. They'll inspect it to make sure the damage to the merchandise is from normal wear and tear and not from abuse, modification, act of god, etc. Then they mail you a Store Credit Card that has the value of the merchandise you returned on it. Then you can use that card to purchase a replacement or another product, like a bunch of DVD's or whatever. The whole process takes about three weeks, and getting a replacement depends on if they carry the product any more or not.

Personally, I wouldn't get one because a) the likelihood that you'll lose the receipt is high, b) the product you're looking for may be out of stock or discontinued, c) if you have faulty merchandise, the manufacturer's warranty covers you, and it's rare that something would be faulty after the warranty coverage, and d) if a product is faulty, sometimes the manufacturer will extend the warranty (like Microsoft did for the Xbox 360).

The only two products I've had a problem with in the last 5 years were my Xbox 360 (which Microsoft replaced under the warranty) and Rock Band (which EA replaced under the warranty). I've found Store Warranty plans to be a waste of money.