*This post is not sponsored, nor written by AI - in part or entirely. It's my personal experience and opinion only.
Short answer: yes.
I was always dubious about the extended care warranties retailers offer you when you buy electronic goods.
You've just shelled out a lump sum for a work or household item and the salesperson cheerfully upsells you with the extra care plan at checkout, which extends beyond the manufacturer's standard included warranty (typically anywhere between 12-36 months).
You know the one.
It acts like insurance and typically covers your for repair or replacement if anything proves faulty beyond the initial protected period. I get the premise - it's noble - but I was doubtful of the actuality; always wondering if it was actually worth it.
I skeptically figured they'd make the claiming process so cumbersome most people would just give up along the way, making those extra funds you opt to pay at time of purchase for peace of mind, money for jam for the retailer.
I was wrong.
Earbud Issues
Had a great experience with a $73.80 extended care warranty on my almost-two-years-old Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (which I was practically addicted to as an aside - I used them multiple times on a daily basis and I love them as much as one can love inanimate objects).
One bud stopped charging to full capacity however. Even after a full overnight charge, it'd chirpily announce to me in-ear that it was only 80 or 90 percent there (and yes, I'd cleaned the contacts on both bud and charger - as Google told me to - to make sure that wasn't the issue).
The faulty bud also started leaking sound, so those around me could suddenly hear some of the audio when previously it was mute to them. And, consequently, I (as the bud wearer) could only hear at half the capacity I could previously.
I had a vague recollection (and was wishfully thinking) I'd tacked on the extended care warranty at time of purchase. That was more than 21 months prior and some 8 months outside of the manufacturer's warranty period.
I was doubtful because I don't usually purchase extra care; I'm a chronic polite decliner (aka I'm too cheap.)
My husband regularly does however and I confess, I usually nod and smile about it while thinking it's a waste of money and will never get used.
Again, I say it: I was wrong.
And I'm officially a convert. Give me aaaaaallll the extended warranties.
Easy Fix Replacement
Long story short: within three days I'd lodged the claim online, sent the product in for assessment (with free postage), and received a voucher back to replace the buds (or you can actually spend it on whatever you want).
Thing is, I'd originally paid $369 for the buds and they'd since come way down in price to $284 so straight away, I was $85 in the black ✔️.
When I went in to JB Hi-Fi to get new buds, I hunted down and cornered the first audiophile salesperson on the floor I could find and after 20 minutes of discussion and research, I settled on a $189 set of Skullcandy Method 360 ANC buds (that Bose does the sound for).
So now I have great new ear buds PLUS a $142.20 voucher to redeem at JB on anything else I'd like.
That's a win.
And if you think I bothered paying the $37.80 for the extended care warranty to cover me for an additional two years after the included one year manufacturer warranty...you're damn straight I did!
So worth it.
Had a good or bad experience with an extended care warranty? Share it in the comments below 👇🏼 .
Same with your favourite earbuds brand if you have one...
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