Claiming a Warranty?

MegaMan001

What information do you typically need to provide to a company to claim a warranty? I've been carrying around my XBox 360 Elite box for months now on the fear of having to call in the RROD and I'm thinking I could probably get rid of the original box and receipt?

Same question for the PS3? A friend of mine wants to sell me his console but does not have the box or the original receipt since he's had it longer than the 30 days Wal-Mart would take it back.

BeenieWeenie

Wal-Mart gives 90 days with a valid receipt. I know it's probably just a harmless oversight... but I work there and I just had to point it out. =-) Also they don't like to take things back without boxes, but sometimes you can persuade them to do an even swap for the exact same thing, but they'll keep the box and everything you didn't bring back.

It's generally a good idea to keep your boxes. It doesn't take up much space... just bust out the bottom and top, lay it flat and put it behind a bookshelf or something. Tape the receipt inside of it. It's always a safe bet to keep it at least until the warranty expires.

saltiness

It differs from company to company but you usually need a receipt and the warranty card that came with the item. Sometimes you can get away with just the warranty card or just the receipt but it's best to have both.

MegaMan001

Damn, okay. I guess I'll hide them in my copy of Bioshock or something else I won't let out of my sight.

Would I be unable to call in the PS3 warranty then if my friend doesn't have the receipt / box / warranty card?

Djeet

If you want to get rid of the box, cut out the UPC code, you should be able to find it on the box. A white square with bar codes and numbers on it, there may also be a serial number on it, and it usually says "proof of purchase" on it. This and the receipt should be enough to get any warranty work done. Some manufacturers require you to send the faulting device back in the original purchasing box (e.g. some TVs). I don't think this extends to game systems (never had to get warranty work done on my game systems).

saltiness

MegaMan001 wrote: »

Damn, okay. I guess I'll hide them in my copy of Bioshock or something else I won't let out of my sight.

Would I be unable to call in the PS3 warranty then if my friend doesn't have the receipt / box / warranty card?

It would probably require a lot of haggling to get any warranty repairs done on it. The box is never an issue but always keep the receipt and warranty card.

BeenieWeenie

Yeah, warranty work is usually box-free. I was mostly referring to returning it to a retail store.

But yeah, I agree with everyone. Keep the card and receipt, stick it in a game box or something like you said, behind the manual where it won't wind up lost, thrown away, etc.

MegaMan001

All right will do. Now will just have to assume that a future version of myself won't be stupid enough to get rid of wherever it is I hide it in.

This can be locked.

Daenris

Just get a file/binder/box and put any important UPCs/receipts in there so they're all kept together. "Hiding" it will just result in you searching for it if you ever need it and requiring that you remember where you actually hid it.

BeenieWeenie

Daenris wrote: »

Just get a file/binder/box and put any important UPCs/receipts in there so they're all kept together. "Hiding" it will just result in you searching for it if you ever need it and requiring that you remember where you actually hid it.

True. I do tend to hide things a lot and subsequently forget like three hours later.

But it's up to you, ultimately.