Gentlemen: Perhaps this thread could benefit from a bit of mid-course correction? So if I may, can we re-visit the initial thought and correct a few misinterpreted facts:
1. It’s not LFD audio who are offering the 25 year warranty. It’s their (apparently) principal retailer LFD4U doing this. Logically there’s no reason why another retailer for this brand or indeed any other brand doesn’t do likewise – unless of course that brand sees end-users as ‘walking wallets’ through the deliberate policy of not keeping spares for discontinued models. Incidentally this retailer offer an alternate no-frills service with the standard 24 month warranty at a discounted price. Better to have a choice than not I guess. Right?
2. Really – does it matter who pays for the extended warranty? Look at it this way; an extended warranty from a retailer selling at RRP i.e. not bigging-up the sale price can only mean good for the end-user by reducing depreciation during resale.
3. The key element is surely the transferability of that warranty to subsequent owners?
4. A ‘communist proposition – surely some kinda joke, right?
5. Any maker viewing the responses so far, which (a) might not be representative of forum members and / or (b) not representative of the upscale target market might erroneously conclude that encouraging their retailers to offer zero-cost extended warranties is a fruitless pursuit. If so, then this is a retrograde step. Buyers bang on about demanding better customer service. Looking here though one might conclude that there’s no sincerity behind the much repeated mantra.
6. Much has been made here of the ‘business case’. However a point overlooked so far is this. No intelligent maker will want the parts and labor cost of repairing work under warranty – especially a 25 year one. Thus, as far as I can see, LFD build to last i.e. they get it right first time and so far one, just one dealer has translated that fact into a tangible buyer benefit. Any guess how many more will follow? I'm not holding my breath.
7. In conclusion then, either bash the maker or the retailer or preferably both merely for (a) having the temerity of being in business (b) looking at the world through buyers’ eyes.
Next?
1. It’s not LFD audio who are offering the 25 year warranty. It’s their (apparently) principal retailer LFD4U doing this. Logically there’s no reason why another retailer for this brand or indeed any other brand doesn’t do likewise – unless of course that brand sees end-users as ‘walking wallets’ through the deliberate policy of not keeping spares for discontinued models. Incidentally this retailer offer an alternate no-frills service with the standard 24 month warranty at a discounted price. Better to have a choice than not I guess. Right?
2. Really – does it matter who pays for the extended warranty? Look at it this way; an extended warranty from a retailer selling at RRP i.e. not bigging-up the sale price can only mean good for the end-user by reducing depreciation during resale.
3. The key element is surely the transferability of that warranty to subsequent owners?
4. A ‘communist proposition – surely some kinda joke, right?
5. Any maker viewing the responses so far, which (a) might not be representative of forum members and / or (b) not representative of the upscale target market might erroneously conclude that encouraging their retailers to offer zero-cost extended warranties is a fruitless pursuit. If so, then this is a retrograde step. Buyers bang on about demanding better customer service. Looking here though one might conclude that there’s no sincerity behind the much repeated mantra.
6. Much has been made here of the ‘business case’. However a point overlooked so far is this. No intelligent maker will want the parts and labor cost of repairing work under warranty – especially a 25 year one. Thus, as far as I can see, LFD build to last i.e. they get it right first time and so far one, just one dealer has translated that fact into a tangible buyer benefit. Any guess how many more will follow? I'm not holding my breath.
7. In conclusion then, either bash the maker or the retailer or preferably both merely for (a) having the temerity of being in business (b) looking at the world through buyers’ eyes.
Next?