Have you ever needed to use a lifetime warranty on products you purchased? archived

shh

Apr 27, 2012 at 10:22am

Often I let things go, but certain things you expect to last a long time, especially if you purchased with the assumption of a lifetime warranty.

We purchased about 8 Minka Aire ceiling fans from restoration hardware. Three of them have given us problems since the beginning, but i assumed it was the light bulbs, although we Are using the ones that are specified.

One of the fans burnt out completely. RH is denying the lifetime warranty, instead offering a gc which will not pay for replacement.

Minka aire does have a lifetime warranty, which I just sent to RH.

I am curious to see how RH handles this. I used to work there and we had to take everything back. Then policy changed, although people still expected to be able to return everything.

I am not talking about a flower arrangement or pillow, but if you purchased something at a Premium, expecting it to last a long time, and it does not, how far do you go? In this case, we are talking about over a thousand dollars worth of merchandise and a fire hazard.

clarkstarr

Apr 27, 2012 at 10:29am

Martin Guitars has one for their instruments. I've used it twice for semi-major work that was most likely caused by temperature changes (something someone could kind of prevent, but not without a good degree of hassle). It was no questions asked. I would think/hope that the more "premium" an item is, the better the manufacture will address its failing.

shh

Apr 27, 2012 at 10:33am

Yes, I agree. I know when we bought all our bath fixtures, we went through the manufacturer to get some replacement parts for faulty valves and they were very helpful. If it was a $30 faucet we wouldn't bother, but a $500 faucet you expect to last forever.

wedjet

Apr 27, 2012 at 10:37am

shh, does the lifetime warranty state whether the retailer or manufacturer is responsible for repair/replacement of the product?
Often it is the manufacturer who honors the lifetime warranty, not the retailer. Good luck.

shh

Apr 27, 2012 at 10:42am Edited

Yes, the manufacturer's paperwork said they would repair or replace, but my experience with RH has generally been pretty positive so I am hoping they will replace.

I did contact the manufacturer as well, to cover my bases.

One item we purchased that needed repair, a Capresso super automatic espresso maker. Cost about $800. It was not working and I called the manufacturer. We had owned it for a few years. Ended up, they had a problem with a motor or something and they paid for shipping both ways and the repair. We have had it for about 8 years and I would not hesitate to buy a Capresso machine again. It has held up much better than my refrigerator that we bought about the same time and cost 3x the price.

jerseyjack

Apr 27, 2012 at 10:56am

---two binoculars, both high end. Swarovski with lifetime which they honored several times with no hassle.

Brunton was advertised with a guarantee beyond lifetime.the p.o.s. has broken. They will only repair if I agree to a lesser warrantee.

deiscane

Apr 27, 2012 at 11:28am

Our kitchen faucet came with one. It's been a great help.

grilled_weber

Apr 27, 2012 at 11:31am

I purchased a NorthFace jacket when they had a lifetime warranty. Turns out the warranty was for everything but the zipper which is what I needed repaired. I think their warranty is now for 10 years (and still does not cover the zipper). They charge $60 to replace any zipper (including the one on the pocket).
Did you call Minka Aire?

shh

Apr 27, 2012 at 12:32pm

Emailed.

Apollo_T

Apr 27, 2012 at 1:10pm

I have a Ridgid saw which is supposed to have a lifetime warranty. It went out of adjustment and stopped working. I called the mfr cust srv 800 # and was told to take to an auth repair shop. 45 mins each way the shop refused to do repairs saying that Ridgid wouldn't pay... citing so excuse and that would have to pay for the repairs and try to get reimbursement from mfr.
Went to HD even they couldn't get a local facility to repair; they called mfr. and got some kaka de toro. Eventually a retired machinist did the repair as a favor.

My regard for Ridgid so low I wouldn't accept a gift from them. I've told my woodworking friends about it, too.

MsSumida

Apr 27, 2012 at 2:36pm

Moen Faucets-replaced 2 times for free
Henckels Knives-replaced for free (cracked handles)
Ducane Grill-just about the whole assembly replaced for free, except briquettes

shh

May 3, 2012 at 11:59am Edited

Just an update.
Sent the info to restoration and did not Hear back.
Called Minka aire and they told me they would go through a test to see What part needed to be replaced, but needed to wait for mr, shh because this is way beyond my technical prowess.
Restoration Hardware just called me. They got my email regarding lifetime warranty. They are crediting me, and sending out three new replacement fans (and then charging me the exact same amount as. The credit. They will then pick up the old fans).
I am very happy, although who knows how much it will cost to install them, at least we don't have to worry about the safety issue.