FTC makes clear 'warranty void if removed' stickers are illegal

https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/11/ftc-warranty-warning/

 

Wow, that's amazing. It may have an unintended effect, though, of reducing warranty coverage. It's tough to offer a warranty that covers 3rd parties mucking about inside the device.

 

Looks like this is not a new development though. Seems that they sent some letters for shady practices that violate existing policy/regulations.

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2018/04/ftc-staff-sends-warranty-warnings
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/pre...panies-it-illegal-condition-warranty-coverage

"
Each company used different language, but here are examples of questionable provisions:

• The use of [company name] parts is required to keep your . . . manufacturer’s warranties and any extended warranties intact.
• This warranty shall not apply if this product . . . is used with products not sold or licensed by [company name].
• This warranty does not apply if this product . . . has had the warranty seal on the [product] altered, defaced, or removed.

"

 

The second link above has an important exception:

There are only two exceptions: 1) if the company provides the article or service to consumers for free; or 2) if the company gets a waiver from the FTC... (emphasis added)

I think I would wait awhile before breaking the seal on something with "free warranty service" just to see what's inside. I suspect some pretty highly paid lawyers will get that clarified. Moreover, if there is evidence the product has been opened, the company is in a position to show that the user "intentionally" damaged device and void the warranty. Your complaints, unless there are a lot of them will not get a very quick response. If you go to arbitration, remember the arbitrators are paid by the companies.

 

I just remembered labels were added to TV's after they changed from tubes to semiconductors. The labels said "No user repairable parts inside".

It is hard to believe (in today's world) that drugstores had vacuum tube testers.

 

I just remembered labels were added to TV's after they changed from tubes to semiconductors. The labels said "No user repairable parts inside".

On a similar note:

When I bought a metal detector for my dad I mentioned to the sales woman that I couldn't wait to open it up and see how it worked. She said: "You can't do that". She was both wrong and ignorant. You had to open the case to install the battery.

 

I suspect the eventual work around, assuming big company lawyers don't get that ruling clarified, will be purchase with optional service contract or simply a lease (not unlike the current situation today with software).

 

I suspect the eventual work around, assuming big company lawyers don't get that ruling clarified, will be purchase with optional service contract or simply a lease (not unlike the current situation today with software).

Yeah...an idea that may have started with a generation who thought it was normal to only "lease" music. It is as though the idea is for one's monthly nut to be just 10-25% above their pay....and nobody should leave the house without a phone and a bottle of water, lest you become dehydrated and have no way to call someone for help.

 

On a similar note:
I mentioned to the sales woman that I couldn't wait to open it up and see how it worked. She said: "You can't do that". .

I picked up one of the Android/Ipad tool kits off ebay, just about all portable, (even non portable) devices now do not have screws for disassembly, you need the spatulas in the tool kit to remove the case.
Max.

 

I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG7HIH6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3 years ago ($12.95 at the time). It has more than paid for itself.

 

I picked up one of the Android/Ipad tool kits off ebay, just about all portable, (even non portable) devices now do not have screws for disassembly, you need the spatulas in the tool kit to remove the case.
Max.

Even my Ford seems to be mostly snapped together -- interior, bumpers, mud shields, some of the radiator mounts, and all sorts of stuff in the engine compartment.