buying from an authorized dealer vs. unauthorized

[LOUMFSG]

I'd like to get some general advice on buying an AVR, and whether or not it is a good idea to buy from an authorized dealer or not. For example, I am looking at either the Yamaha RX-V1500 or the RX-V2500. If I search the web for internet dealers, I can get the V1500 for about $550 shipped, and I can get the V2500 for about $670 shipped from multiple sites. However, none are authorized Yamaha dealers, which invalidates the mfgr warranty. Authorized dealers have the V1500 for $800 and the V2500 for $1,000. Is the manufacturers warranty worth that much of a premium? Does anyone know if the internet dealers who sell at a steep discount offer comparable two-year warranties at a price that still makes it a better deal than the authorized dealer? If you buy an AVR like the V1500 or the V2500, what are the odds that if there is a problem with the receiver, it won't show up in the first 30 days?

I'd like to hear about good and bad experiences buying receivers, and any advice about which way to go. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Getting a warranty is all relative to the individual. if your budget allows you to get one then it may be worth the peice of mind. Buying these units online is all a gamble. i just got a receiver online that came with a bad digital processor right outof the box. Luckily it came with a warranty and great customer service so the exchange was hassle free.
my advice would be to make sure its a reputible company with at least a limited warranty. Usually 60 to 90 days. If something is going to go wrong with the unit it USUALLY happens in the first few months. That should eliminate some concern. Then making the purchase is up to you...You could get lucky and get a good deal and save a few hundred or, you could get a lemon...its all a gamble...
Good luck!

 

[Spiffyfast]

Well, to me an AVR is an expensive piece of equipment and knowing that I have a manf. warranty if something goes wrong leads to good piece of mind. I also like the fact knowing that if I buy from an authorized dealer that if something goes wrong I have someone that is qualified to take care of it and I'll have less trouble dealing with problems if something should go wrong, shipping problems anything, there are reasons why some places are authorized dealers and why some are not, just be sure you do your research on a place before buying anything from them.

For example, not related to audio at all, but my roomate at school bought an exhaust system for his motorcylce, hes not the type of person that does research on anything, turns out it wasnt from the most reputable place. He ordered it back in march, first thing they sent him the wrong set, he then had to PAY return shipping to get the right ones. Once he got them they were deffective and were two different shades of the color so it looked awful. He then comes to find out where he orded from has had all kinds of complaints filed with the BBB, so many in fact they wont take anymore and they directed him to the chamber of commerce for that state. Needless to say, its 5 months later and he still doesnt have them and paid for them back in march. Now this is just an example of almost a worst possible outcome from dealing with a non authorized dealer, but just gives you something to think about

 

[Duffinator]

Question: Why is there B-stock from most of the manufacturers?
Answer: Because the new product failed, returns from customers are another major factor.

So new product does fail, and usually within the first 90 days. I wouldn't buy it without a warranty. I'd also rather buy b-stock with a limited warranty instead of new with no warranty. YMMV.

 

[Spiffyfast]

Question: Why is there B-stock from most of the manufacturers?
Answer: Because the new product failed, returns from customers are another major factor.

So new product does fail, and usually within the first 90 days. I wouldn't buy it without a warranty. I'd also rather buy b-stock with a limited warranty instead of new with no warranty. YMMV.

My thoughts exactly

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

My thoughts exactly

Agreed. Take the $699 B Stock Denon 3805 at Ubid right now. It's probably at least $200 less than what you can get it for new through an authorized dealer. You now have $200 of insurance (in your pocket!), and a 90 day warranty through Denon should something go wrong. It's a win win situation for both parties.

Heck, Ubid even offers Yamaha receivers with a full warranty.
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=901029289&CATID=1014&SPOTID=4

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=901027469

 

[adjutant]

It is completely illegal to void warranties that are purchased through unauthorized dealers.

There is a law called the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Its fairly lengthy, but here is an piece:

The Act prohibits anyone who offers a written warranty from disclaiming or modifying implied warranties. This means that no matter how broad or narrow your written warranty is, your customers always will receive the basic protection of the implied warranty of merchantability.

It goes on to specifically mention "tie-in's". Basically stating a manufacturer cant void a product because you didnt use "genuine GM parts" (example)
Or that you didnt buy it from a specific company.

I have NEVER sued anyone, but you better bet if Marantz said "Oh, you didnt buy from an authorized dealer, you're S.O.L", I'd get a lawyer

Sorry, but it makes me mad!!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

It is completely illegal to void warranties that are purchased through unauthorized dealers.

There is a law called the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Its fairly lengthy, but here is an piece:

The Act prohibits anyone who offers a written warranty from disclaiming or modifying implied warranties. This means that no matter how broad or narrow your written warranty is, your customers always will receive the basic protection of the implied warranty of merchantability.

It goes on to specifically mention "tie-in's". Basically stating a manufacturer cant void a product because you didnt use "genuine GM parts" (example)
Or that you didnt buy it from a specific company.

I have NEVER sued anyone, but you better bet if Marantz said "Oh, you didnt buy from an authorized dealer, you're S.O.L", I'd get a lawyer

Sorry, but it makes me mad!!

So Ad, does Denon have to give a 1 yr warranty on a refurb? How about the guy who buys 10 units at Best Buy, doesn't open the box, and resells them at Joe's ebay market? Is Yamaha still liable for the warranty if sold through Joe's? Where's the quality control after the units leave Best Buy (shipping, handling, storage, etc...)? I don't know. I'm just wondering. I'm not an expert in warranties.

 

[pikers]

My thoughts exactly

New product fails, yes, but B stock is inherently more prone to failure due to stresses placed on down-the-chain components internal to the unit, affected by the part(s) that actually failed.

The crazy price is not solely based on perception; you will have service charges fairly soon.

 

[pikers]

It is completely illegal to void warranties that are purchased through unauthorized dealers.

There is a law called the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Its fairly lengthy, but here is an piece:

The Act prohibits anyone who offers a written warranty from disclaiming or modifying implied warranties. This means that no matter how broad or narrow your written warranty is, your customers always will receive the basic protection of the implied warranty of merchantability.

It goes on to specifically mention "tie-in's". Basically stating a manufacturer cant void a product because you didnt use "genuine GM parts" (example)
Or that you didnt buy it from a specific company.

I have NEVER sued anyone, but you better bet if Marantz said "Oh, you didnt buy from an authorized dealer, you're S.O.L", I'd get a lawyer

Sorry, but it makes me mad!!

Based on your understanding of warranty and consumer law, you should get an attorney. That way you can take the $100 you saved and throw it down the drain for a one-hour consultation that will get you noplace.

Warranty of merchantability is generally 30 days. It has nothing to do with where you bought it, except for if that place is unauthorized, they are the first owner. You, being the second, have no warranty, unless the manufacturer's warranty is transferrable.