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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
devinplombier
1,676 posts
 

Forget about purchase date in California - since 2023, consumer warranties there can no longer start before delivery date.

https://www.beneschlaw.com/insight/in-california-written-consumer-warranties-can-no-longer-commence-before-delivery/

@lousyreeds1 

Your story to the effect that - if I read correctly - this manufacturer starts all their warranty periods at the date of manufacture is nonsense. In addition, it would probably be unlawful for a warranty period to run even before transfer of ownership to a consumer has taken place.

But it’s all good, no worries. You posted a post, you got replies, that gave you the gumption to go back to that manufacturer who shall remain shrouded in secrecy and ask for what you should have asked for in the first place. Glad you found a way to resolve your issue that worked for you! Audiogon works in mysterious ways! Besides, it’s a lot cheaper than therapy.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
6,163 posts
 

What if you buy a dac from your therapist??

roadcykler
343 posts
 

Something seems fishy. Either the story or the dealer/manufacturer. 

mflaten
19 posts
 

If it was sold as a manufacturer and it was a demo it should have the full warranty, aesthetics may not be perfect if demo.  If sold by a dealer then and it was a dealers demo then the warranty started when the dealer bought the unit and used it as a demo, then it is not considered new.

moto_man
454 posts
 

Warranty starting from the date of manufacture?  That is plainly absurd.  If it is sold with a 90 day warranty because that's all that's left, OK, you made your choice.  But if its sold with a 1 year warranty and then in the fine print, its "oh, that's 1 year from the date on manufacture," that is an unfair and deceptive business practice under many states' laws.

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