Archived Copies of Warranty Week

December 2002 to Today

Extended Protection Plans:
Breaking Down Risk Management Options: Service contracts sold by dealers or manufacturers to buyers of commercial products such as construction equipment can increase resale value, raise customer loyalty, boost uptime, and lower operating costs. But before extended protection plan sales can begin, the advantages and disadvantages of various risk management options must be considered.
June 7, 2018
Commercial Service Contract Association: Industry leaders have launched a new trade association for commercial service contracts, with the inaugural meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. But unlike with product warranties, extended warranties, and protection plans aimed at the buyers of consumer goods, the boundaries of the commercial service contract industry are not as sharply defined.
January 11, 2018
Extended Protection Plans: Service contracts sold by dealers to buyers of products such as construction equipment can increase resale value, raise customer loyalty, boost uptime, and lower operating costs. But before extended protection plan sales can begin, dealers have several risk management options to consider.
November 30, 2017
Service Contract Market Research: Protection plan buyers are more loyal to both the brand and to the retailer, according to results of a consumer survey commissioned by The Warranty Group. And they're also happier with their purchases than non-buyers.
March 9, 2017
Solar Equipment Warranties: While product warranties that last for one or two decades are reassuring to buyers, they're not worth much unless funds are available to pay claims. That means betting on young startup companies eventually becoming old industry veterans. But who knows how reliable a system installed now will be in 10 or 20 years, and how much it will cost to repair or replace?
July 28, 2016
Home Warranty vs. Homebuilders' Warranties: When it comes to protection plans, consumers spent over $2 billion on home warranties last year while builders spent roughly $1.5 billion on warranty claims. Home warranties are an essential part of a sales transaction in some states, and homebuilder warranties are a major attraction for new home buyers. But most existing homes aren't covered by a protection plan, and the warranty costs for most new homes aren't reported publicly.
January 21, 2016
Vehicle Shopper Survey: Buyers in 2010 will take more time, do more research, and ask more questions. But these "tire kickers" may also be the best prospects for sales of add-ons such as extended warranties and other vehicle protection services, according to a survey being released this week at the WCM Conference.
March 1, 2010
Home Warranties & Foreclosures: As the industry looks for a way up from the bottom, home warranties may become a valuable selling tool. Buyers, worried about the damage done by departing owners, vandals, and the weather, might appreciate the coverage of a home warranty. Industry insiders, meanwhile, report that claims costs on foreclosures aren't that different from their other policies.
December 3, 2009
Home Warranty Association: Why are at least 90% of existing home sales in California covered by a home warranty? A mix of court rulings, government regulations, and industry response seems to have reassured home buyers that home warranty companies are both willing and able to pay claims. And thanks to a statewide educational effort, the realtors are able to explain how it all works to their clients.
November 12, 2009
RV Extended Warranties: As sales plummet, the nameplates are dropping like flies. But the dealers have to make a living, and they've found that extended warranties -- sold at a discount or practically given away -- are a great way to induce skittish buyers to drop a quarter million dollars or more on an otherwise as-is purchase.
June 11, 2009
Extended Warranties: Consumer Reports says they're not needed except in a few cases. Others say they're a good value at a reasonable price. As the holiday shopping season begins, whose advice will buyers follow?
November 21, 2006
Warranty Analysis Software: Skeptical buyers and long sales cycles can be overcome with relevant demos using a customer's own data.
January 25, 2005
HP Integrates the Compaq Product Line, and Unites its Warranty and Service Upgrade Options. But extended warranty revenue isn't what it could be, and buyers facing too many choices may instead be choosing to do nothing.
May 19, 2003