bother with a warranty for video camera?

[Goldy1]

I just got a video camera on clearance at target for $150. (it was a display model and it retailed for over $300)
I always heard warranties are a waste and a cash cow for stores and have never bought one.
However, it would be $20 for 3 years? would you bother? I just wonder if it broke, if I would have to mail it in and be without which I would hate for a while?

[Broken Arrow]

For any delicate electronics that can be dropped and has glass components like lenses and LCDs, yeah, I would seriously consider an extended warranty.... I'd read up on the warranty details to make sure you know what's covered, but yeah, I think it's worth it here....

[boosami]

For a floor model, I would always be sure to have some kind of warranty. I always buy with my AmEx, which has automatic protection for if I need to return a defective item.

Many new products come with a free 1 year or so manufacturer's warranty. With floor models, you often can't get the manufacturer's warranty because it's not a "new" product. Typically buying an additional warranty is not worth it, but I'd do it if there is otherwise no warranty at all.

[disneysteve]

I think it is a waste. I'm sure the store has a return policy, probably 30 days. If anything is damaged, you'll know by then. Be sure to use it plenty in the first couple of weeks. If all seems okay, you're good to go. If not, return it.

[Goldy1]

yea I think warranties must vary by store and company.
When I bought my lap top I did not buy any kind of extra warranty but I was told if I got one thru the store, it would cover stuff like dropping it.

With the warranty thru target(I guess they use an outside company) I was told dropping it would not be covered. I guess it would be to good to be true to get it replaced fully if dropped for around $20.
I do have 30 days to return it and if it breaks, I won't lose any sleep over it.

[noppenbd]

Many extended warranties allow for the company to repair or replace the unit, so read the fine print. If it is a lousy design you might just get stuck with a replacement which is no better. Also I recommend you pay with a credit card that doubles the manufacturer's warranty (I believe most Visa & Mastercards do).

[Goldy1]

I might just skip it. I have never bought a warranty in my life. It sucks that standard warranties from manufacturer are getting so short in length. My firdge went out 2 years or so ago. IT was fixed for free(parts and labor). It came with a 5 yr warranty. I was told by the manufactuer that now they do only 3.

[Johansen8]

If you're buying it new, you can always get the store extended warranty. Most of this extended warranties will allow you to replace the unit if it gets broken AFTER the original manufacturer's warranty.

Ask the store, most of the stores have this option.

[project15]

I wouldn't get it. If it were maybe a $1,500 camera, I would. But a $150 camera isn't worth it. Chances are, by the time it breaks, you'll have forgotten or misplaced the warranty info and you'll be wanting a better camera anyways.

[GemStar]

Originally Posted by Goldy1

I just got a video camera on clearance at target for $150. (it was a display model and it retailed for over $300)
I always heard warranties are a waste and a cash cow for stores and have never bought one.
However, it would be $20 for 3 years? would you bother? I just wonder if it broke, if I would have to mail it in and be without which I would hate for a while?

$20 is a great deal for 3 years!!! I sold electronics for 5 years so believe me... and we charged a LOT more than that. Whoever mentioned buying it in case you drop it is misleading-- These warranties almost NEVER cover physical damage. Read the fine print if you're worried but still... I think a 20 spot for 3 years on a floor model is a great deal!