My Experience with Square Trade Warranty on an ebay Purchase

[George Tyndall]

I purchased a desktop computer on ebay about a year ago. Soon after, I received an email from Square Trade which offered to protect my $745 purchase for 4 years for $134. The warranty stated that, if Square Trade could not repair the computer on my premises within 5 days, the company would refund the entire purchase price.

The unit failed after about a year of heavy use. When I described the problem over the phone to a Square Trade rep, he informed me that a technician would call me back shortly. The tech's analysis was that my video card had failed for sure and perhaps my motherboard. He advised me that I would receive the parts in the mail and that, once I had received them, a tech would come to my home to install them.

While I was waiting to receive the parts, a rep from the tech's office called me every day to ascertain their status.

The day after I received the parts, a tech came to my home and installed the video card--a better one, I should add, than the one that had failed (NVIDIA 9500 with 1GB memory). Upon discovering that the motherboard also needed replacement, the tech asked whether he could take the computer back to his facility to complete the repair. I agreed, and he returned in 2 days, as promised, with a functioning unit.

According to the tech, the unit will continue to be fully covered for 3 more years.

I asked what the cost would have been without the warranty. He replied, "about $150 for the motherboard and $150 for the video card plus $50 labor, for a total of $350."

I've joined what appears to be a long list of satisfied Square Trade customers.

[Steve Grisetti]

It sounds like you got the better part of that deal, George. Though, personally, I'd prefer just a standard warranty and a computer that didn't blow out its motherboard after just one year!

[George Tyndall]

It sounds like you got the better part of that deal, George. Though, personally, I'd prefer just a standard warranty and a computer that didn't blow out its motherboard after just one year!

Steve, this particular unit is the one that I bring with me on my travels. The problem occurred after using it in another country where there may have been a problem with the power.

[Chuck Engels]

Sounds like you got a great deal George and that you are dealing with a very reputable company

[Steve Grisetti]

It certainly does! And thanks for sharing your good experience.

[George Tyndall]

Sounds like... you are dealing with a very reputable company

Yes, Chuck, it was a very satisfying experience, so I wanted to share it with those members who make ebay purchases.

BTW, according to Consumer Reports magazine, extended warranties are not worth buying, however, I have used nearly all that I've bought, including one for a monitor: The internal powered hub failed, and it could not be repaired, so I was given a replacement that was new-in-the-box.