Fixing Stuff Under Warranty - written by Dan Ramsey

What can you do if something in your household (appliance, heater, plumbing) breaks and you can't fix it? When should you consider hiring someone to fix broken stuff for you?

* When it's something you shouldn't be messing with, such as a microwave's magnetron or a freezer's refrigerant

* When you can't find replacement parts, but think maybe a repair pro may know how to make it work

* When it's quite valuable and you don't want to take the chance of perhaps damaging it during repair

* When you just can't figure out what the heck's wrong with it, but want it fixed

* Most important: When it's under warranty.

Before tearing something open to fix it, consider whether it's really the manufacturer's problem or yours. Many consumer items carry a limited warranty that the item will function for at least the specified time after the consumer buys it new. What is a warranty? A warranty is a guarantee by a seller or manufacturer to a buyer that the goods or services purchased will perform as promised, or a refund will be given, an exchange made, or a repair done at no charge. Warranties usually become effective when the manufacturer receives a warranty application from the buyer (not necessarily at the date of purchase) and are effective for a limited period of time. Warranties usually include limitations that exclude defects not caused by the manufacturer. Warranties are included in the price of the product.

Extended warranties are really not warranties. In truth, they are service contracts sold at an extra cost that is typically quite profitable for the retailer. That's why so many retailers ask if you'd like to purchase an extended warranty when you buy something. In some cases, the retailer makes more profit on the extended warranty than on the product it sold you.

Almost every purchase you make is covered by an implied warranty. The exceptions are items marked "as is" and sold in a state that allows "as is" sales. Implied warranties include warranty of merchantability meaning the seller promises that the product will do what it is supposed to do. A warranty of fitness applies when the product package or the seller tells you that the product is suitable for the described purpose.

What is covered by a warranty? Warranties vary, but typically repair or replacement, though there may be a charge for labor (not parts) or shipping/freight costs. The manufacturer or the seller may be the one required to honor the warranty. The warranty term may be for 30 or 90 days or a year or more.

Fix-It Tip: As you shop for replacement things, open up the box and read the warranty card to find out how long the product or specific parts are covered for repairs or replacement.

Will trying to repair something void the warranty? Maybe. Some warranties prohibit repairs not authorized or done by those authorized by the manufacturer. However, most things you buy will either not work as soon as you try to use them (they'll be repaired or replaced under warranty) or the day after the warranty expires (fixing is up to you).

What about recalls? More than 15,000 consumer items, including many things throughout a household, are subject to recalls by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A recall is an announcement from the CPSC that a specific product offers a significant risk to consumers. Stop using the product and follow instructions in the recall announcement. That may mean calling the manufacturer for a replacement or some other remedy. Recall announcements are for a specific model of product and the remedy is different for each product recalled. You can find out if products you've purchase have been recalled by contacting the CPSC at 1-800-638-2772 or online at cpsc.gov. You also can report unsafe products that you think should be recalled.

If you've determined that what's broken isn't under warranty -- someone else's problem -- how can you select the best repair service for the job? By first asking them a few questions:

* What experience do you have repairing this item?

* What training or certification do you have?

* Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly shop rate? What is that rate?

* Do you have a minimum charge?

* Is there a charge if you can't fix it?

* May I see your shop? (You'll see how your item will be treated.)

Remember to read anything you sign because verbal agreements are not binding. If the repair service says "$29.95" and the service contract you sign says "whatever we want to charge," you may wind up with a $300 repair on a $100 item. Most repair agreements include space for a do-not-exceed price; if not, write it in. And make sure the estimate includes both parts and labor. Ask what might happen to make the estimate go up. Ask if final bills usually come in under or over the estimate. Leave no room for surprises.

What specifically should you tell the repair person? Indicate the symptoms and list the things you've done to attempt to alleviate them. For example, "The unit won't turn on. I've checked the electrical cord and it works, but I haven't found any fuses." Any information you can provide means less time the technician needs for diagnosing and should mean a smaller final bill.

By understanding product warranties and how to select a repair service you can be a smarter consumer -- and save money.