Warranties + Time = Free Stuff

Warranties, like rebates, are pretty awesome for saving money. And just as with rebates, the general population typically doesn’t bother with them due to the headache usually involved. But Mr. FG and I recently bothered with two lifetime warranties. (Yay us!)

We hired someone to install replacement windows back when we bought this house (they were so bad, many of them wouldn’t even close.) The windows we got have a lifetime warranty, which is a good thing because one of our panes had a seal failure.

At first, I thought the window was dirty on the outside, but when I went outside to clean it, I realized the “dirt” spots were inside the window.

So, we dug up the warranty information and got a new pane sent out. I thought they’d send us a whole new upper window portion, but they only sent the glass, which has to be installed in the frame.

I was a little scared of the process, so when my dad came over to do the cabinet door installation, I asked him if he could help me put the new glass in.

It turned out to be not a super difficult job, and I now feel confident that I could replace the glass myself if any of our other windows fail.

Also, Mr. FG bought a Ridgid drill a few years back after getting frustrated with the poor battery life of his other drill. The batteries on Ridgid tools come with a lifetime warranty, so if one stops taking a charge, you can get a new one for free.

The batteries have been fine for several years, but lately, one quit taking a charge. So, we went over to Home Depot, where someone in the tool rental department was able to handle getting us a new battery.

Eeeeeexcellent.

So, now we have a new window pane and a new battery for $0 out of pocket. Schweet.

Of course, the most awesome thing would be to buy something so well made that it never needs a warranty. But if you try to buy quality and it still fails, the second best thing is to have a warranty and to use it.

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Joshua’s 365 post: Untitled (yes, the food category for this post is right!)

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Judi

Thursday 3rd of October 2013

I have noticed that those individuals who are big buyer and somewhat boardering on hoarding do not bother with warranties because it must feel overwhelming to manage all those items

I, however am like you, I take it as a personal success and of course bore everyone with my story of how I took advantage of my warranty. Could it be I just have another type of obsession?

Starr1ight

Friday 20th of September 2013

Does anyone remember the Jansport bookbags? I used to love the one I had and I remember sending it back to the company twice for repairs b/c it had a warranty. I'm not sure how long I kept it but I'm pretty sure I had for a few years. We also completed a rebate form from a dept. store even though it had expired and it took a little work to get the correct form from the store but everything worked out and we did receive about ten dollars in the mail. Its always nice to get unexpected checks in the mail!

Laura

We were given a nice set of Calphalon non-stick pots and pans for our wedding over 9 years ago. They have a lifetime warranty, and we have sent back one at a time here and there as they have worn out. Recently, we realized they all were not looking so hot, so we sent them all back. We figured maybe they would replace some of them or possibly all. They sent us back a brand new box, replacing them all. Brand new, what we had replaced was probably over 500 dollars of pots and pans brand new! Of course I wish they didn't wear out in the first place, but the lady I spoke to at Calphalon said it is pretty normal to only get about 5 years (I think that's what she said) out of a non-stick pan.

Hope :)

That is fantastic! I always try to keep my warranties (and rebates) at hand until it's time to use them. I'm getting better about it; they all now go in one folder, rather than many folders divided by product name, and that's been very helpful in ensuring I keep everything at hand! Good for you.

Charlotte Wood

When the paddle got stuck on my kitchen aid mixer, kitchen aid sent out a whole new mixer! We've also gotten a new lid for our crock pot, new lids for water bottles, and a new vacuum. I was just thinking about writing my own post on this very topic.

We don't keep receipts or paperwork on this stuff. You just call the company and see what they will do for you. And we certainly don't buy warranties. That is never a good deal. There is always stuff that won't be covered, and sometimes you have to pay a deductible. Then you have to fight them to cover it. Don't buy warranties.