There’s nothing like the smell of a brand new tool. The excitement when you crack open that box … it’s just magic. And, with many tools, you have to remove a mountain of papers.
Of course there is the owner’s manual. Maybe some advertisements for some other tools the company makes. And, in many cases, a warranty registration card.
While many people fill them out and return them, others just chuck them into the trash, never to be seen again. Not everyone likes paperwork, but returning those cards can save a lot of time – and cash – if the tool malfunctions during the warranty period.
For today’s poll (feel free to thank David Picciuto for the idea. Thanks, dude!) what do you do with your warranty cards?
Tom,
Just curious as to how you selected a card from the Flower House. They are an online retailer just north of me and I’m pretty sure they don’t sell monkey tools. I normally only return post paid warranty cards. If figure if the mfg cares that much about feedback, I’ll give it to them. Other than that, if someone wants a response, they should provide an online avenue to register the product. I’m fairly certain that warranty coverage cannot by law hinge on returning a card.
I regard waranty cards as information gathering tools for the maufacturer. Here is a link to a New York Times article about them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/25/technology/do-you-really-need-that-warranty-card.html
They had the most generic warranty card I had seen that I could modify… 🙂
It may be a info gathering tool. but when something breaks they cover ones arse.
Almost all the warranty cards I come across have a website printed on it, so I don’t waste the postage. As Mike points out, they are, indeed, an information gathering tool. But I also have to agree with Drew with respect to covering one’s “arse”. I just have a “feel it in my bones” attitude that the first time I don’t register a tool is when I’ll need that warranty.
Every time, and register online if possible as well.
Plus, I keep a note book in the shop with the pertinent info on all my tools.
It has saved me on more then one occasion when warranty issues arise.
Especially the bigger, more expensive stuff.
I register online. Did this for work prior to retirement and do it for myself. It’s always safest to register regardless of what is purchased. Manufacturer has a way of contacting you if product is defective, or for warranty.