Lindsay Stearns: Lifetime Warranty

Lifetime Warranty: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

Lindsay Stearns
Everett, Washington

Did you know that there are still a lot of companies out there that stand by their products?  Yes, even in this economy!  I am a veteran of the US Navy with MS, a mother of two young children ages 5 and 3, a wife of an active duty service member and I need to economize whenever I can. There are numerous companies that will accept returns or exchanges long after you think they won’t.  You just have to ask! 

I had a pair of hiking boots in my closet that never fit right, but I’d had them for about 5 years and I was about to toss them into the Goodwill bin, when I had the idea to call the company first, the worst thing they could say would be no, and Goodwill would get another donation. It took me five minutes to check on this, and the company sent me new boots. I have a brand new pair of hiking boots that fit me perfectly and that I love.
I got very large when I was pregnant and required a super size, extra heavy-duty sports bra afterwards.  I lost all the weight and they no longer fit correctly, but at $52 apiece, I did not want to donate them.  I called the company and exchanged them for smaller sizes.  I was very clear in telling them that they had been worn.  They assured me it was no issue; they had a lifetime warranty.

With the advent of the Internet, and online reviewing, companies are more than willing to go the extra mile and ensure a happy customer.  And there are more companies than ever that advertise “Lifetime Guarantee”.

When calling, always assume the company will say no, and always be polite and thankful if they do say yes.  If it is the company policy to not accept something, the agent’s hands are tied, but be polite, the person you talk to sometimes has the authority to send you a coupon, but is certainly not obligated to do so.

I had a shipment go horribly wrong on its way to my house.  I called the company and let them know the package was missing.  They immediately upgraded my account to automatic 2 day shipping at no extra charge, and issued me a $75 gift certificate.  I ultimately ended up returning the product, but the company had guaranteed my continued support by giving me the $75 gift card.

Bottom line is, donating high priced items to charity is great, but call the company first.  In this economy, what do you have to lose?

Date posted: February 2012