Warranty - what value to you?

[Michael1960]

Recently there has been discussion concerning the prices of used Festools.  In many instances the importance of warranty is raised.

As a hypothetical... You have just purchased a new 'high end' RO sander for say $500. It's from a reputable dealer but for some reason warranty is not included.  However, three years full factory warranty is available as an option. How much would you be prepared to pay?  Nil and take your chances,  10%, 15%, 20% etc on top of the new price...  I'd be interested to hear your thoughts...

 

[DB10]

I think I would have to appraise each tool purchase separately, eg, Router or Kapex, I defiantly would want the three year warranty  CXS, might take a risk.

 

[SittingElf]

For similar reference, I ALWAYS buy the two-year extended warranty/support on the Apple products I own. It runs roughly 10% of the purchase price.

Over time, those additions have been invaluable and have saved tons of $$ on repairs or needed support. I suppose it depends on the product and the perceived value, but I imagine that for the most expensive-to-repair tools, I would be willing to pay up front for the warm fuzzy feeling of long-term warranty.  Fortunately, not needed with the included three-year warranty on Festool products! [big grin]

Frank

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

No value to me.

 

[pugilato]

I pay more for good tools on the assumption that they will not break. Additional warranty when the tool is new seems a waste of money, I want the warranty when the tool is old.

 

[mouppe]

I never pay for additional warranties. Over time you spend more on coverage than one-off tool repairs.

For the same reason I didn't get extended cover on my car after 4 years.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't care about warranty on tools. I am very capable of servicing them myself might the need arise. Power tools aren't that complicated to take apart and put back again, a bit like Lego for grown ups.

If the cost saving is significant, I'm willing to let go of warranty on power tools.

 

[DB10]

It's not the taking apart and putting back together of power tools that would worry me, it paying out for a new motor for a Kapex or some other expensive electrical part that would bother me.

 

[Gary in Texas]

In the first instance, I would have to take into consideration the cost of the tool, the reputation of the manufacturer and reliability of that specific tool, and whether or not there exists a similar offering from a different manufacturer for a similar model, and do a comparison.  If that other tool comes with a warranty, that could sway my decision.

Next, let's take the scenario that this particular tool has no comparitve offering from other manufacturers (think Domino).  This would put a whole different perspective on making the purchase, regardless of buying additional warranty.

Hypothetically, let's say ALL tool manufacturers excluded initial warranty, and you could only buy add-on warranty.  I think (at least for me) price would play an important factor on the decision process.  I could buy a lot of drills for example for the cost of the T18 set.  I might get all of the features, but, I could buy plenty of replacements if my drill failed.  I would definitely forego the Kapex for a lesser priced option, as the lesser price option I've had for 15 years is still up and running...

Lastly, as a few others posted above, I would not purchase additional warranty, on anything.  It usually is a waste of money, especially if that car, appliance, etc...never has an issue.  It's better to put that warranty money you would have spent into an account, if no issue, you still have the $$$, whereas if you buy the extended warranty, have no issues, you've lost that money....

 

[Birdhunter]

I'm in the same boat as Sitting ELF in that I always buy the Apple extended warranty. However, that Apple extended warranty includes excellent customer support that is invaluable to me.

I never buy extended warranties on relatively inexpensive items (TV sets) as it is cheaper to self insure.

If I had to purchase an extended warranty on Festool products, I'd pay 10% to 15% of the purchase price.

I do have to say that Festool's warranty and their 30 day return policy is a significant factor in my shop being full of Festool products. I've never had to use the warranty service, but I know it is there if I need it.

 

[jimbo51]

If your T18 drill suddenly stops working, do you replace the electronics at about $120 or the motor at $150. If you try the electronics and it was the motor, then the repair is $270 dollars. 

Brushless motors and similar nice innovations add a lot to the cost of the tool and the repair parts. If a $5 component in the electronics package goes bad, you have to buy the whole package and not just the $5 part. Such packages are made so that repairing a component is becoming less and less feasible.

In addition, the more complex the tool, the more likely something expensive might gone wrong.

 

[sancho57]

I wouldn't pay for a warranty. if the tool broke I'd take it in for repair and be done with it.

 

[Michael1960]

I pay more for good tools on the assumption that they will not break. Additional warranty when the tool is new seems a waste of money, I want the warranty when the tool is old.

Agree - when I pay for quality power tools I expect years of trouble free service. Sure things happen... but it's a hassle if a tool fails.  Even if it's covered by warranty, time is wasted taking it to a dealer who then sends it away.  Later it needs to picked up.  In the meantime you don't have the use of the tool.

 

[Bigchasbroon]

The festool warranty is worth more than most as it covers theft and accidental damage. Every warranty repair I've had is due to an accident so it's very worthwhile. I'd say easy 20%

 

[grbmds]

For similar reference, I ALWAYS buy the two-year extended warranty/support on the Apple products I own. It runs roughly 10% of the purchase price.

Over time, those additions have been invaluable and have saved tons of $$ on repairs or needed support. I suppose it depends on the product and the perceived value, but I imagine that for the most expensive-to-repair tools, I would be willing to pay up front for the warm fuzzy feeling of long-term warranty.  Fortunately, not needed with the included three-year warranty on Festool products! [big grin]

Frank

Generally, though, the reason the Apple warranty is so cheap is because it is rarely ever used. I feel that, unless there is a huge difference in price between a used Festool and a new one, it isn't worth it to buy used. The warranty cost is in the price of a new tool and is worth even a $100 difference in price between new and used. Even a reconditioned Festool has a 1-year warranty. I have seen people pay close to new for a used Festool. Excuse me, but I think that is crazy.