If you're experiencing trouble having a camera manufacturer or store honor what you think is a legitimate claim on extended warranties or manufacturer's warranties, it can be a very frustrating situation. Convincing companies to honor a warranty for a camera and resolving disputes over extended warranties requires some persistence on the part of the consumer.
Following some of the tips listed here may help with your particular warranty dispute situation.
- Be sure you have fully reviewed any warranty information you have. You'll feel pretty silly -- and waste a lot of time -- if you attempt to have a warranty honored for something that the warranty does not cover. Some warranties also spell out exactly the steps you must follow to resolve any dispute; failing to follow the steps may result in any warranty claims being voided.
- Be sure to log any forms of communication you have with the company. Telephone calls are great for obtaining simple answers, but if the dispute becomes more serious, it's best to have a traceable record of communication, such as an e-mail or a letter. If you need a sample complaint letter, feel free to copy and use one that I've developed, based on a model from the Federal Trade Commission.
- Even if you're trying to resolve a problem covered by the manufacturer's warranty, it's worth a shot to contact the retailer first. The retailer might be willing to fix the problem, replace the camera, or offer credit for the first model, thereby saving you the hassle of working with a far-away manufacturer.
- Your state or locality should have some sort of consumer protection department. If you've reached a standstill in dealing with the manufacturer or the party that offered the extended warranty, the consumer protection department could be a mediator.
- Another option is to contact the Better Business Bureau and request mediation with the manufacturer or the company offering the warranty. Just keep in mind that contacting the BBB doesn't guarantee you'll receive a favorable outcome; the BBB is simply a mediator and specifically avoids "taking sides" in this type of dispute.
- You also might be able to sue the offending company, but this will be a last resort for most digital camera owners. After all, is it worth suing over a point and shoot camera that might have cost $250? Filing in small claims court is a possibility. If you decide to sue, though, keep in mind that state laws vary regarding the amount of time you have to sue after the time you initially discover the defect.
- Finally, if you are making payments on a loan that you used to buy the camera, you have the option of simply cutting off the payments until the company honors your warranty. However, this can lead to serious problems with your credit rating. This should be an absolute last resort; try to mediate the dispute in other ways.
