Be careful when buying used EM products!

[pecan2phat]

So I just wanted to let my fellow reefers know that when you buy used (and we all do from time to time) Ecotech Marine products that currently, there is NO WARRANTY whether you have the buyer's receipt or whether it's within the 12 month period from manufacture date.
This did not use to be the case years ago, I've had them repair replace repurchased items as long as it was within the 12 month warranty period and sometimes past.
Just went through email convo today with service rep at EM about a Radion that I bought with a manufacture date of 10/10/17. Basically I told them I was the 2nd owner because you can never tell if the original purchaser had ever registered the product. Service Rep replied that there is no warranty service for non original purchasers despite the product having a manufacture date within 12 months. Asked whether it would make a difference if I obtained the BRS receipt from the original purchaser, he said nope but you can have the light serviced at your cost for parts and shipping.
Based on this experience going forward, I would not even buy a "new, never used, sealed, fell off the back of a truck" EM product in the future, just go retail from an authorized reseller or buy used knowing the facts.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Unfortunately you take a gamble when buying used items, regardless of how old they are. Sometimes you score a great deal, other times it doesn't work out. Sorry that happened to you

However it is right in their written warranty form: This limited warranty is extended to the original buyer of the Covered Products (the “Buyer”). EcoTech Marine disclaims all warranties, express or implied, to subsequent purchasers or users

 

[pecan2phat]

Either that specificity on original buyers has changed in the last 10 years or I never paid attention and have gotten warranty service for repurchased items many times in the past.
Good point though!

 

[Livinlocal]

Well technically if you are in contact with the previous owner, they can’t deny him if he sends it in for repair. I would ask the previous owner to ship it from his address to eco-tech.

 

[Matthew Frost]

I'm sorry you had to have this happen to you but I'm glad you're sharing. Maybe this will help lower the cost of some of these items second hand.

 

[pecan2phat]

Based on this experience, it boggles my mind when you see "like new" Radions, Vectras and Vortechs for sale and potential buyers asking if the OP has the purchase receipt.
What good will this receipt do for you if you need warranty service.

 

[Diesel]

Imo it’s locigal.
Name one piece of equipment that carries the manufacture warranty over if you’re not the original buyer in this hobby?
I had even a custom tank build but wanted to build my own stand, so even before that glass saw silicone the warranty was void due to I didn’t order a stand from the builder.
That said EM is a reputable company, if I had to choose I prefer a used EM light above any other LED company

 

[Crabs McJones]

Well technically if you are in contact with the previous owner, they can’t deny him if he sends it in for repair. I would ask the previous owner to ship it from his address to eco-tech.

This is actually a very good idea. See if the original buyer would be willing to help you out by claiming it.

 

[pecan2phat]

Someone said to me, well duh...you don't tell them your the 2nd owner.
So your John Smith in North Dakota requesting warranty service and you scan in a PDF receipt from Jane Doe in Tennessee, hmmmm.....

 

[pecan2phat]

I agree that EM is a good company, just relating my experience for those out there thinking that you can get warranty service within 1 year of manufacture date.

 

[ca1ore]

Well technically if you are in contact with the previous owner, they can’t deny him if he sends it in for repair. I would ask the previous owner to ship it from his address to eco-tech.

YES! If I buy something used that is within the OEM warranty period, I always ask for the original receipt and that the prior owner will assist should any repairs be necessary. Also, don't ever 'volunteer' that you aren't the original owner. I do think that people pay far too much fro used gear and that Warren is correct that buying new is often the better choice.

Some companies offer transferable warranties, but certainly not all.

 

[Ecvernon]

Imo it’s locigal.
Name one piece of equipment that carries the manufacture warranty over if you’re not the original buyer in this hobby?
I had even a custom tank build but wanted to build my own stand, so even before that glass saw silicone the warranty was void due to I didn’t order a stand from the builder.
That said EM is a reputable company, if I had to choose I prefer a used EM light above any other LED company

IME Tunze on 2 occasions.
I sent in a Osmolator and wave pump. It could have changed since a year ago.

 

[pecan2phat]

Roger has always been a good egg in my book!

 

[Matthew Frost]

I can see both sides of this and while I can support EM and the fact that they stated the warranty stipulations clearly, you are a manufacturer of incredibly high end marine equipment. Some would say the standard in a lot of cases. Are you standing behind the product or the original purchaser with warranty terms like that? I know people who buy items like this and for whatever reason go a different direction well within the warranty period, EM backing out of the manufacturers warranty like that does nothing but hurt their product on a resale market and possibly discourage potential buyers if they know the resale isn't there. Just my .02

 

[Matthew Frost]

Deleted post. Phone went wacko.

 

[pecan2phat]

Definitely my fault for not looking up a used product's warranty policy. And in my defense, it wasn't always like that with EM. As long as it was within the manufacture date, they use to honor the warranty service.
And also, I didn't even think of warranty service because the light was suppose to be like new without any known defects.

 

[Randyp79]

Someone said to me, well duh...you don't tell them your the 2nd owner.
So your John Smith in North Dakota requesting warranty service and you scan in a PDF receipt from Jane Doe in Tennessee, hmmmm.....

Duh! Jane Doe bought it for you as a Christmas gift!

So technically, you can't buy EM products as gifts... LOL

 

[pecan2phat]

I would hope not but based on the EM Service Rep's crummy attitude, who knows!

 

[Reefltx]

I’ve gotten into something similar with their pumps, purchased brand new. But no warranty since it was not from a rep.

 

[Kyl]

The larger joke in the electronics goods industry is the pathetic 1 year warranties most products carry. Another reason to always buy with a credit card that at least doubles the manufacturers warranty.