Best Buy Vs. Mack Warranty

[evidence tech]

I am looking to purchase the Rebel XT within the next month or so. I realize that the price is identical at most stores near my house (Best Buy, Calumet, Wolf). I can get the Rebel XT with a 4-yr warranty at Best Buy or with a 3-yr "Mack" warranty at Calumet. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with trying to have warranty work completed with Best Buy or Mack. Both positive and negative experiences would help. Thank you in advance.

[HJMinard]

I've never had the occasion to utilize my Mack warranty. For Best Buy, I've only used it to replace batteries ... no problems there. I've also used Best Buy warranties for DVD player repairs without issue or complaint.

[pcasciola]

I'm a little biased toward Mack warranties because they happen to be on the same street I work on, and have an actual storefront that anyone can just walk in. We bought in a Sony P&S that had been dropped and had a broken LCD. The warranty cleary said it does NOT cover LCDs and damage due to physical abuse, but they fixed it anyway. It took about 10-12 weeks because they initially tried to fix it themselves and then ended up having to send it back to Sony, but it's tough to complain when they are fixing stuff that is not even supposed to be covered. One word of advice, if you decide to go Mack, make sure you get than warranty card in before 30 days, because I've heard they will sometimes not honor the warranty if the card is not mailed back in time.

[daveh6700]

There is a WIDE variation in pricing on MACK warranties. You don't have to buy the MACK warranty from the same place you bought your camera. I just bought mine from:
http://www.prophotogear.com/mack/mackwarranties.htm
They say you can register with mack on-line; which I intend to do. -- Dave

[tpinchback]

I have BB 4yr service plan on my 20d. I had a 300d and a 4 yr service plan and it broke and I upgraded to a 20d for only $500. no hassles

[evidence tech]

I am leaning towards buying the XT at BB. I realize that the sales people at BB are not very well versed but I don't care to have a sales person trying to sell me something I don't want either. As much as I would like to be talked into buying the 20d, I enjoy being married to my wife more!!!!!

[james12345]

and remember if you purchase with amex, they will add an additional year of warranty on top of what already is included.

[Fredinpa]

This is just my 2 cents, how could someone offer an extended warranty do not they believe in the quality of there product. I work in the service industry and usually any problems that are going to happen will surface in the fist year under normal use. Most companies will stand behind there product like they should, you have heard in this forum what a stand up company canon is. Save your money and buy more equipment.

[dicky109]

usually any problems that are going to happen will surface in the fist year under normal use. Most companies will stand behind there product like they should

This debate rages here under a new thread about every 6 months. The sad truth is most companies DO NOT stand behind their products like they should (see many threads about the G-1 fuse problem for 1 extreme example).

I never purchase extended warranties on anything except cameras, as usually they are a rip-off. In answer to your question, I have used the Mack warranty on a film and a digital camera and received excellent service from them. Only problem is they may not turn it around quickly. Can't comment on BB, as I've never bought from them. IMO, its cheap insurance for an exepensive purchase.

[evidence tech]

IMO, its cheap insurance for an exepensive purchase.

I cant agree with you more. An extended warranty can be purchased for less then $100. I cant justify spending $1,000-$1,500 on a camera and not having a warranty. That like a mortage payment for me.