crazyray
01-30-2001, 02:58 PM
Hello all! I have a tale of disappointment and a warning that may affect many.
I purchased a Blaupunkt HU and changer in September of 1999. As always with electronics of any kind, I made the purchase with my platinum VISA card. You've seen the ads; the manufacturer's warranty is doubled up to one additional year. Or so I thought...
I called VISA to make a claim as the changer crapped out. I calmly gave them the info including date of purchase, a copy of the warranty, and a copy of my invoice showing it had been purchased with said VISA. I was told that this item WAS NOT COVERED. According to VISA's Warranty Manager Service," any item that goes into a car is not covered." I carefully read the ridiculously small print, but could find no reference to such an exclusion. I asked for and talked to the "manager"who was sympathetic, but said he could do nothing about it.
I called Capital One Bank to let them know personally how I felt about this arbitrary exclusion. I then called American Express BLUE. (Yes, I have one of those, too.) "Why, YES, you would be covered if you had made the purchase using American Express Blue" the AMEX rep told me.
As I prepare now to buy a new changer with my American Express BLUE, I thought all of you ought to know. VISA CANNOT be trusted to come through when you need them. Ain't big business grand?
I purchased a Blaupunkt HU and changer in September of 1999. As always with electronics of any kind, I made the purchase with my platinum VISA card. You've seen the ads; the manufacturer's warranty is doubled up to one additional year. Or so I thought...
I called VISA to make a claim as the changer crapped out. I calmly gave them the info including date of purchase, a copy of the warranty, and a copy of my invoice showing it had been purchased with said VISA. I was told that this item WAS NOT COVERED. According to VISA's Warranty Manager Service," any item that goes into a car is not covered." I carefully read the ridiculously small print, but could find no reference to such an exclusion. I asked for and talked to the "manager"who was sympathetic, but said he could do nothing about it.
I called Capital One Bank to let them know personally how I felt about this arbitrary exclusion. I then called American Express BLUE. (Yes, I have one of those, too.) "Why, YES, you would be covered if you had made the purchase using American Express Blue" the AMEX rep told me.
As I prepare now to buy a new changer with my American Express BLUE, I thought all of you ought to know. VISA CANNOT be trusted to come through when you need them. Ain't big business grand?