Warranty on Printers and Staples -yes/no?

[spinbot]

Has anyone purchased a printer from Staples, taken the extended warranty and had to use it?

I'm trying to decide if its worth the $10 for me. I destroy printers on a quarterly basis due to the amount of printing ( and type ). I'm typically printing photo on photo paper ( uses a lot of ink ). I buy generic ink very cheap, so my ink costs aren't a concern ( as long as I get the right printer ).

Once , in the past, I bought a warranty on a printer at another retailer and I did try to exercise the warranty. The store told me I had to ship it somewhere out West ( on my dime ). I argued that wasn't practical as the printer cost under $100. Ultimately they relented and just gave me an in-store credit.

I am curious how Staples warranty works ( not as how they describe it, but from someone who's gone through the process ).

[RxMedic]

I haven't gone thru the process but I am 99% sure that warranty is a waste of your money.

[Evil Baby]

If you buy the extended warrenty what will happen is.

For the first year you'll be covered under the manufacture. Likely what happen with your last experience was that you broke your printed in the first year so it had to be shipped back to the manufacture.

The other store should have done that for you, Staples will, so don't worry about that.

After the first year you will get store credit towards another print for the same value you paid for yours.

That being said, if you use your own ink and it dies in the first year your printer might not be covered under warrenty by the manufacture.

Also be very carefull with what printer you buy because a lot of the HP's ink cartriges have micro chips in them so they know when it's not an authentic cartridge or if it has been refilled and may not let you use it.

[spinbot]

Staples Warranty is only for 1 year. Epson's warranty is for 1 year. The question is, if you take it back to Staples at any time in that year will I have to wait for it be repaired/replaced? I suspect they have to give you some type of run around, otherwise the warranty you buy provides no real benefit that I can see.

I can't recall if it was the Source or Office Depot, but one of their warranties actually listed an annual cleaning was included ( probably some guy in the back just installing printer and clicking on "Head Cleaning" ) :)

I don't buy HP as the have the print-head right on their cartridge, thus you can't get cheap generics. I stick with the Epson for now and might try Canon some day as their ink cartridges are pretty much just tanks of ink.

If you buy the extended warrenty what will happen is.

For the first year you'll be covered under the manufacture. Likely what happen with your last experience was that you broke your printed in the first year so it had to be shipped back to the manufacture.

The other store should have done that for you, Staples will, so don't worry about that.

After the first year you will get store credit towards another print for the same value you paid for yours.

That being said, if you use your own ink and it dies in the first year your printer might not be covered under warrenty by the manufacture.

Also be very carefull with what printer you buy because a lot of the HP's ink cartriges have micro chips in them so they know when it's not an authentic cartridge or if it has been refilled and may not let you use it.

***EDIT****

The Staples "Extended" Warranty is not intended to provide you with better warranty options during the first year, it just "Extends" the warranty after year 1 is completed for another year. Any problems you have during "year 1" have to be dealt with by the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, that means you may still have to deal with the hassle of returning the printer to the manufacturer (if no repair depot is in the area)

[Evil Baby]

Staples Warranty is only for 1 year. Epson's warranty is for 1 year. The question is, if you take it back to Staples at any time in that year will I have to wait for it be repaired/replaced? I suspect they have to give you some type of run around, otherwise the warranty you buy provides no real benefit that I can see.

I can't recall if it was the Source or Office Depot, but one of their warranties actually listed an annual cleaning was included ( probably some guy in the back just installing printer and clicking on "Head Cleaning" ) :)

I don't buy HP as the have the print-head right on their cartridge, thus you can't get cheap generics. I stick with the Epson for now and might try Canon some day as their ink cartridges are pretty much just tanks of ink.



***EDIT****

The Staples "Extended" Warranty is not intended to provide you with better warranty options during the first year, it just "Extends" the warranty after year 1 is completed for another year. Any problems you have during "year 1" have to be dealt with by the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, that means you may still have to deal with the hassle of returning the printer to the manufacturer (if no repair depot is in the area)


Correct, within the first year it is covered by the manufacture, not Staples, but Staples will send it out for you at no cost to you. How long that takes? I have no clude, I guess it's up to the manufacture really, but I do know you will not be provided a temp unit or anything while yours is out

[spinbot]

So actually, the warranty gets better in year 2 when Staples takes over as their "Replacement Warranty" is in place (for Printers under $199). At that time, you can just get the latest model or store credit equal to what you paid, less warranty cost.

Although their is one part of the warranty that gives them some discretion on how much to credit you. The term "less depreciation".

I figure i will just buy two of the same printer, one extended warranty. Run the one printer, if it dies, use the other while it is warrantied. No purpose in buying a 2nd warranty as I have no idea when the 2nd printer will be put into action :)

[Evil Baby]

So actually, the warranty gets better in year 2 when Staples takes over as their "Replacement Warranty" is in place (for Printers under $199). At that time, you can just get the latest model or store credit equal to what you paid, less warranty cost.

Although their is one part of the warranty that gives them some discretion on how much to credit you. The term "less depreciation".

I figure i will just buy two of the same printer, one extended warranty. Run the one printer, if it dies, use the other while it is warrantied. No purpose in buying a 2nd warranty as I have no idea when the 2nd printer will be put into action :)

that is correct. When I worked at Staples we always gave back full credit.
Also if your printer doesn't break in time, just break a small piece yourself :). That'll teach them to try and make more money. Jerks!