Getting what I paid for - gut check please!


All - I purchased an expensive (for me) DAC a few weeks ago from a small but well known high-end manufacturer close to where I live.  It was a previous-generation model made available at a price significantly lower than the current generation model.  I paid for the item in full prior to pick up.  Upon pick up, I discovered the item’s faceplate and remote were a different color than what the manufacturer had indicated prior to purchase.  Upon getting it home, I learned by reading the materials that the warranty period had started at the date of manufacturer, not the date of sale, meaning the warranty period was about one-third the length it would normally be.

The manufacturer is offering to replace the faceplate with the correct color for a fee.  He says the warranty "is what it is."

Is any of this standard practice?  This was not advertised as a used or demo unit when I agreed to purchase it, and there was no mention of a different warranty period than what would accompany a normal retail sale.  Was I wrong to expect that a previous-generation model would be sold with the same warranty as a current-generation unit?  Am I wrong to expect that the manufacturer replace the faceplate free of charge to make this unit the color that I agreed to prior to sale?

I’d appreciate a gut check before I press the issue or ask for a return.  Thanks!

lousyreeds1

Did you pay by credit card, and is there a return policy?

Also, did you demo it? If you like what it does, I’d negotiate a free faceplate. If they don’t budge, tell them you’ll happily return it, especially since it's not as advertised. A new faceplate is costing them zilch extra. They should have been willing to change it out for free for the sale. Don't wait to move on it.

Post removed 

seems like some missing details. 

Did they disclose the warranty start date BEFORE you paid for it?

Was it a demo unit? Or any other "not new" category, B-stock, open box, etc?

Did you buy color X? Is it on your invoice?

Details matter.

 

I have never heard of a date of manufacture warranty. I had always assumed that the warranty started when you registered your product. At least now you’re gonna have an opportunity to see how the consumer protection bureau is working these days if you do decide to return it.