Hi Peter...

As you know already, though a different commercial enterprise, we represent a developer in Australia, and I know that what you are saying is quite on point.

However, even with the more pro-consumer law "Down Under", the manufacturer controls the available supply. It would be much harder to prove price control, something that would be illegal here, by virtue of supply control as I see it.

Bomberjim..

Frankly, I would not buy from any company that denies warranty service to the consumer that is already cost in to the product. I know that dealers may rightfully scream at me on that, but the economics aside, in many cases as you point out, the consumer may not realize they have given up the warranty. You can take "caveat emptor" just so far.

In my view, the warranty, if one is offered by the manufacturer, should be an implied right of the consumer.

I got stuck on this myself when I bought several costly HP DDS-3 tape backup units that failed in less than a year. HP not only didn't want to know me, but stated their contract with the OEM that released them into the channel for direct sale, unbeknownst to me, precluded them from providing me even with the ability to PAY! for the service.

I screamed so virtually loud at that up the HP corporate chain, that my replacement tape arrived only a week late ;-) I had no waaaay of knowing that a product that says HP on it is not HP in the actual sense in terms of the way they handle things.

I have also met with Denon, where I am authorized by default, and their view is that they deny warranty to consumers who buy from unauthorized sources because they feel the dealer, typically brick and mortar, should be the first line of defense and not Denon for support.

Also, they fear greater warranty cost with equipment that is not properly set up with the help of the authorized dealer. That point is perhaps valid if, eg they do have to replace a blown amp because the user set up the speakers wrong etc. without the help of the dealer if needed.

-Bruce
alpha2data
on eBay

This message was edited by alpha2data on 12/23/01 18:26.06.