7 Tips for Buying Consumer Electronics Warranties This Holiday Shopping Season

Market Wire, December, 2007

With the holiday shopping season in high gear and tech gadgets such as HDTVs, iPhones, iPods, laptops, digital cameras, GPS devices, video game consoles and more on wish lists, when should shoppers consider extended warranties and are there new choices available?

Following are tips from SquareTrade on buying consumer electronic warranties:

1. Don't feel pressured at the checkout line. If you ask, most stores will give you 30 days to decide.

2. Don't overpay. If three years of coverage costs more than 15% of the item, it's usually not worth it.

3. You now have a choice! You can say "NO" to the retailer and find a better price and service online at www.squaretrade.com within 30 days. Buy your item anywhere (online or in a store), then get a better warranty directly at SquareTrade.

4. If your item is likely to be dropped or get wet (like a phone, camera or laptop), inquire if coverage for accidental damage is available. Usually an additional fee applies, but often it's well worth it.

5. Know what you're getting. SquareTrade either fixes your item or gives you cash back for the full price you paid for the item within five days. Other warranty providers are often slow to make repairs and you often end up with a refurbished or even obsolete replacement item.

6. Keep your receipts, in case you ever have a claim.

7. Know you can always transfer it or cancel it and get a pro-rated refund.

About SquareTrade

Founded in 1999, SquareTrade makes warranties that make sense, offering fair prices, a no-pressure way to buy online, and no-hassle 5-day service. Buy your item anywhere (online or in a store) then get a better warranty directly from www.squaretrade.com . SquareTrade offers consumers an alternative to big retailers' overpriced and under-serviced warranties. SquareTrade is 40% less on average than big retailers by offering to consumers direct. SquareTrade is the only service consistently rated 5 of 5 by consumers. SquareTrade is the largest independent warranty provider in the world for consumer electronics and appliances. Privately held, SquareTrade is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com

Contact: Elizabeth Gordon 415-595-5538 gordonpr@gmail.com