Warrantee pricing for a laptop

[computerdoc]

I have a customer that needs a laptop for basic browsing and simple office functions such as word processing, spreadsheets and the like. He would like it integrated into his XP network. He needs a basic machine and I am thinking of suggesting the Compaq Presario CQ62-214NR 15.6" Laptop for around $350 since it is cheap and should do the job.

Processor Intel Celeron processor 900
Memory (RAM) 2GB
Memory Type DDR2
Memory Expandable to 8GB
Hard Drive Size 250GB
Hard Drive Type SATA
Optical Drive SuperMulti 8X DVDñR/RW with Double Layer Support
Display Size 15.6"
Display Type High-Definition HP BrightView LED Display
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Battery Type 6-Cell 47WHr Lithium-Ion
Network Card Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n WLAN
Video Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M
# of USB slots 3
Bluetooth Enabled No
Dimensions 14.72"(W)x 9.70"(D)x 1.25"(min H)/1.44" (max H)
Weight 5.5lbs
Warranty 1 year
Extra Features Textured HP Imprint finish in matte black

He would like me to offer him some sort of warrantee so that he pays me for the year and I handle all problems.

What sort of warrantee pricing and arrangement makes sense? What if a major problem arises? I would appreciate some insight about these kinds of deals.

 

[Appleby]

Is this a new laptop? If so doesn't Compaq offer a 1 year hardware warranty?

 

[PR Tech]

Make sure you are VERY clear on the terms of the warranty. Otherwise some folks will take warranty to mean that you need to fix just about anything that goes wrong with the computer.

 

[badkinsdesigns]

Warranties make big box stores a ton of money because they sell so many and service comparitively few computers. Presumably you will be selling very few warranties, meaning chances that something comes up with one of yours is going to be far greater meaning you could possibly lose money.

If you have a person pay for a warranty chances are you will get a call for every little thing that could go wrong since the person essentially already paid for your time. As stated above I would be very careful how you word this. Particularly on the issue of you only guanrenteeing your time and not the parts.

Also, it seems on such a low cost computer the warranty price will end up being kind of close to the sticker price. Just my opinion.....

 

[Peaceful]

I doubt your customer will be too pleased with that celeron processor.

 

[computerdoc]

Appleby,

You are right. There is a 1 year hardware warranty. I guess this would mean that I would deal with any software, network or non hardware issues.

PR tech, backindesigns,

The devil is in the details here. I generally provide help for anything under 15 minutes remotely. I assume that on a new computer there shouldn't be anything too drastic. (Famous last words - )

Peaceful,

Is this a really slow processor?

 

[ComputerStop]

What we do is offer to coexist with the existing warranty, we will cover their system for them to the extent that the manufacturer does. This means that if a hard drive goes out, we will be responsible to call the manufacturer for the customers, get a new one sent out, and swap it for them.

We offer this service for free to anyone who buys a computer from us, the reason a lot of people spend the money local is so they dont have to call some 1-800 number when something happens.

I maybe do repairs on a system under "warranty" on 2 of 10 computers sold. with this method you have to be confident in what you selling, if you sell someone crap it can really come to bite you in the butt.

 

[meanderer]

Make sure you are very very careful about the wording of the warranty. I would suggest that virus and malware be excluded or offered at discounted price.
I would offer to take care of the issues that needs to be taken to manufacturer, as in acting in between customer and manufacturer.
I might also throw in 2 computer "tune-up"s, installing preventative measures against spyware, virus, etc. Done twice a year.

Let me know what you ultimately decided

 

[computerdoc]

My customer went to Staples and they didn't have the PC advertised and offered him one that was actually better (dual core, more ram) for a very good price. However, they pushed him into a 2 year cover everything warranty which he claims includes software coverage.

He doesn't need my warranty anymore but I will set up the machine for him.

I think that Meanderer's idea was very good and I was working on something similar.

Thanks all for your help and insights.

 

[Crgky127]

However, they pushed him into a 2 year cover everything warranty which he claims includes software coverage.

Have him double check that with a manager before the return period on the warranty runs out. IIRC the only software thing they will cover is a N+P (backup not included).