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[Musashi Wins!]

So....I just bought a Tapwave Zodiac (HAWT! btw, another post another day) and I folded and bought a 2 year replacement plan for $99. I could still return it (the plan) and I'm wondering....what's the story with these plans? Normally, I avoid them. I regretted it once with a console, but everyone says these are made quite sturdy. And yet...it's a PDA..I can see myself dropping it at some point and it includes screen damage.

I can't leave the feeling that these plans are a scam. On the other hand, if I bust it up I'll feel somewhat vindicated, obviously. Still...that's damn expensive...I feel a little dumb for tacking that on.

Anyone have any takes on this marketing practice?

 

[cvxfreak]

I hear these plans are where the bulk of the profit comes from. Usually manufactuer warranty should be good enough, so I say you might want to save the cash. Or at least go with a cheaper plan.

 

[Phoenix]

Depends on the item. For example if you spent $5-9K on a plasma TV
you'd be a complete moron to not get a Product Replacement plan - complete and total However if you're picking up a telephone, getting a replacement plan is kings stupid. It all depends on the item, the reputation of the people giving the plan, and what the plan actually covers (is it something expensive to replace or likely to break).

 

[Musashi Wins!]

I hear these plans are where the bulk of the profit comes from. Usually manufactuer warranty should be good enough, so I say you might want to save the cash. Or at least go with a cheaper plan.

Yea...I'm thinking you may be right. The plans are limited though as the unit is only offered in my area through CompUSA. Still...I'm feeling uneasy about it.

 

[Shogmaster]

Of the 4 Clies I've owned, I had 2 with cracked screens by accident. CompUSA plan got me back all the money towards the next model in both instances. That's total of $1200 it saved me for the cost of less than $160. That plan (as of 2002) rocked,

I don't know about their current plans though.

 

[LinesInTheSand]

Yeah, CompUSA plans are pretty crazy considering they cover accidental damage. The extended warranties are good for some items - it gets a bit ridiculous at times - the merchandise guys at Circuit City are supposed to try and sell them on Video Games and DVDs.

 

[Hitokage]

Yeah, CompUSA does have a good replacement plan going for it. I've used it on several occasions with few problems. I like the fact that they just give you a full refund in credit on the item being replaced even if it has since gone down in price. Allows you to pick up a couple other things for free.

 

[Joe]

it could be good on anything...even phones.

if you get expandable phones just get coverage on one of the expandable phones (probably only $10-$15) and all the phones will be covered for 2-3 years.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

well shit...maybe i should keep the plan then? I notice that the Zodiac has a 1 year warranty from Tapwave but I haven't figured out how far it goes. The compusa one will replace it for any damage, including screen. So...plan is 99 bucks for 2 years, and the zodiac price just dropped to 350. maybe i should keep it. you guys give me mixed emoitions arrrggh.