It might not be worth paying extra for extended warranties, but it’s certainly worth exercising the ones you already get. But what happens if there’s a problem and you can’t find the documentation? Reader Alan recommends taping the warranty to the device itself.
Picture by streetart-berlin
The concept apparently came up during a chat between Alan and a mate, which he thoughtfully forwarded to us. After briefly discussing the notion of keeping game receipts inside game covers (itself not a bad idea), they get to the nub of the issue:
My mate has a projector, has its warranty taped onto the bottom. No one every thinks of doing that. Next time I buy something I’m totally taping the warranty onto it!!
For large items that’s a pretty reasonable idea, though part of me would worry about the heat generated by a projector or big-screen TV. However, if you’re not the type to keep a neat “warranties” folder in your filing cabinet, it’s worth considering. For an electronic solution, check out previously mentioned Warranty Elephant
I tape or staple my receipts and warranties to the instruction manual, and if there is room store the manual under the device.
Similar in theory, I have started taping the included allen key from flat-pack furniture to the item itself. This comes in especially useful when you move!
I have a big problem with this: if you are burgled and the item is taken the new possessor of your goods also has the warranty; should increase the re-sale price no end.
…or you could just file stuff away properly. How hard is it to throw a tech receipt into a special plastic sleeve in the filing cabinet?