Nigel, but I believe Ian is correct. If you buy a Panasonic TV from a dealer that is offering a free Panasonic five year (sometimes three, depending on where they go) it is with Panasonic.
The customer will be given a form to complete and they must send it off to Panasonic in Bracknell. When the form has been processed the customer receives a certificate back from Panasonic.
If the TV developes a fault during the warranty period the customer can contact any local dealer within the Panasonic Digital Service Network, produce the certificate and the dealer will claim the parts and labour back from Panasonic.
This type of warranty has nothing at all to do with D&G.
As I've said, that may be the current procedure - but around 2007 the Panasonic warranties were via D&G - I've no way of knowing when (or if) they changed. There's also nothing in your post above which proves that they aren't still through D&G, as that was presumably the same procedure for the D&G ones. Although I do presume they have gone direct, as Sony did, for financial reasons.
Sony was exactly the same, register with Sony, receive a certificate from Sony, service via the Sony service network - even though the warranty was via D&G. It makes little difference to the customer, who doesn't even know.
I'm can't comment on this particular company, but generally speaking they would be in breach of the Panasonic DSN agreement/contract.
From my understanding, a Panasonic DSN should be willing to accept repairs on any applicable equipment within their service area.
I don't know about Panasonic, but Sony have two different service types ASC and ASD (don't you love all these TLA's )
ASC (Authorised Service Centres) accept repairs from anywhere, ASD (Authorised Service Dealers) are only obliged to accept repairs they have sold. If you ring Sony, they will only pass you details for ASC's, and won't give you details for ASD's at all.
We're currently an ASD, but back when there only were ASC's we generally declined repairs sold elsewhere due to lack of 'proof of purchase' - all our invoices have the items serial number on it, so we wouldn't accept anything without the serial number on the invoice (which none of the multiples do).
You need to consider what warranty jobs are - they pay a 'contribution' towards your costs, they don't pay the going rate for the job. This is why the majority of warranty service companies go bust - doing warranty service for others is a difficult business.
As I've said, that may be the current procedure - but around 2007 the Panasonic warranties were via D&G - I've no way of knowing when (or if) they changed. There's also nothing in your post above which proves that they aren't still through D&G, as that was presumably the same procedure for the D&G ones. Although I do presume they have gone direct, as Sony did, for financial reasons.
Sony was exactly the same, register with Sony, receive a certificate from Sony, service via the Sony service network - even though the warranty was via D&G. It makes little difference to the customer, who doesn't even know.
Nigel, I think the key difference is if the customer pays extra for the warranty or not. If the warranty comes free, from a promotion offered by Panasonic through a participating dealer and the customer has to send off the form to Panasonic, then it is a direct Panasonic warranty.
If on the other hand the customer gets just the normal 12 month guarantee and registers the product, they will probably be invited to pay for an extended warranty through Panasonic, but run by D&G.
Nigel : Most large groups on retail parks are on bought out warranty's + I believe some other large retail groups use this method as they provide there own 5 year guarantee via a net work of independent engineers .
The Pana 5 year warranty is as I stated -- its in house .
Many, many years ago I decided never to buy any extended warrantees on the basis they're too expensive. I suppose I was opting to "self insure".
And over the years I'm quids in. Sure, things go tango uniform from time to time and I have to fork out some dosh, but overall the money I've spent on repairs or early replacement (don't recall having to do that) has been way, way less than all the warrantees would have cost.
Nigel, I think the key difference is if the customer pays extra for the warranty or not. If the warranty comes free, from a promotion offered by Panasonic through a participating dealer and the customer has to send off the form to Panasonic, then it is a direct Panasonic warranty.
If on the other hand the customer gets just the normal 12 month guarantee and registers the product, they will probably be invited to pay for an extended warranty through Panasonic, but run by D&G.
No, the original Panasonic free five year warranty was run by D&G on behalf of Panasonic (Panasonic paid the policy to D&G). As I've said, I don't know when (or even if) it changed? - and as I've also said, it's completely transparent to the customer.
Sony changed from D&G to direct on 1/12/2008 - I would presume Panasonic were probably a similar date?, as they seemed to be tracking each fairly well on the extended warranty front. As far as I'm aware, Panasonic offered the free five year warranty through D&G BEFORE Sony did, and Sony played catch-up.
just received my new Panasonic TXL32D28purple, its got a Panasonic Pan Euro Guarantee inside to register,ill follow up with details.
I don't like to go on about D&G, but (as far as I know) almost all warranty registration cards go to D&G, NOT to the manufacturer - simply so D&G can then try and sell you an extended warranty.
This is the only reason for the registration card, there's no need whatsoever to register the standard guarantee.
However, if it's an extended warranty (as with Sony and Panasonic at present), you MUST register it using the supplied paperwork, or you won't get the extended warranty. You will receiver a policy/certificate in due course, the number off of which is required for any servicing.
As a responsible dealer, and as a service to our customers, we actually send the five year registration off ourselves - to ensure it doesn't get missed.
No, the original Panasonic free five year warranty was run by D&G on behalf of Panasonic (Panasonic paid the policy to D&G). As I've said, I don't know when (or even if) it changed? - and as I've also said, it's completely transparent to the customer.
Sony changed from D&G to direct on 1/12/2008 - I would presume Panasonic were probably a similar date?, as they seemed to be tracking each fairly well on the extended warranty front. As far as I'm aware, Panasonic offered the free five year warranty through D&G BEFORE Sony did, and Sony played catch-up.
We first experienced the Panasonic free five year warranty promotion in May 2007, which I believe is when it was first introduced.
To the best of my knowledge these have absolutely nothing to do with D&G. As I mentioned earlier, the warranty form is returned to Panasonic in Bracknell and is dealt with in-house.
If we repair a Panasonic TV which has an extended warranty of the type discussed, we put in a extended warranty claim using the Panasonic warranty claim system.
It does not go through D&G. For one thing, if it did, we would have to phone up and obtain authoisation if the repair was going to be over a certain figure. This is generally not the case with Panasonic.
We first experienced the Panasonic free five year warranty promotion in May 2007, which I believe is when it was first introduced.
We were told around then, by our local Panasonic service agent, that the scheme was through D&G.
I even have a vague recollection that it was even mentioned in ERT magazine?, perhaps that it was under-written by D&G or something?. Or perhaps I'm just getting too old
To the best of my knowledge these have absolutely nothing to do with D&G. As I mentioned earlier, the warranty form is returned to Panasonic in Bracknell and is dealt with in-house.
As they would be, just as Sony forms are sent to Sony - that has nothing to do with either D&G or the manufacturer actually funding the warranty.
If we repair a Panasonic TV which has an extended warranty of the type discussed, we put in a extended warranty claim using the Panasonic warranty claim system.
Exactly as with Sony, both the D&G and the direct ones are done via Sony's warranty system, and paid at normal Sony warranty rates.
It does not go through D&G. For one thing, if it did, we would have to phone up and obtain authoisation if the repair was going to be over a certain figure. This is generally not the case with Panasonic.
That's where it differs, and is the only thing hinting towards it not been D&G - although presumably it would depend on Panasonics contract with D&G (if any).
The D&G ones with Sony require authorisation from D&G over a certain figure, with that number been entered on the warranty claim.
You say it's 'generally' not the case?, does this mean there are cases where you need to get authorisation?.
I'll have to see if I can 'bump in to' the Panasonic agent again, but we don't cross paths very often - too far apart, and too few points of contact (generally it's only when one of us wants something from the other ).
We were told around then, by our local Panasonic service agent, that the scheme was through D&G.
I even have a vague recollection that it was even mentioned in ERT magazine?, perhaps that it was under-written by D&G or something?. Or perhaps I'm just getting too old
As they would be, just as Sony forms are sent to Sony - that has nothing to do with either D&G or the manufacturer actually funding the warranty.
Exactly as with Sony, both the D&G and the direct ones are done via Sony's warranty system, and paid at normal Sony warranty rates.
That's where it differs, and is the only thing hinting towards it not been D&G - although presumably it would depend on Panasonics contract with D&G (if any).
The D&G ones with Sony require authorisation from D&G over a certain figure, with that number been entered on the warranty claim.
You say it's 'generally' not the case?, does this mean there are cases where you need to get authorisation?.
I'll have to see if I can 'bump in to' the Panasonic agent again, but we don't cross paths very often - too far apart, and too few points of contact (generally it's only when one of us wants something from the other ).
Perhaps I should have very seldomly. It's only odd cases such as cosmetic problems etc, that require prior approval.
Replacing a PDP or a LCD panel does not require authorisation, such as it would with D&G.
No, the original Panasonic free five year warranty was run by D&G on behalf of Panasonic (Panasonic paid the policy to D&G). As I've said, I don't know when (or even if) it changed? - and as I've also said, it's completely transparent to the customer.
I haven't seen the specific warranties that other have had so can't comment on those but I've just checked mine that I got exactly 3 years ago and there is no mention of D&G in it.
Whether Panasonic paid D&G to run this or not is largely irrelevant, the warranty was with Panasonic because all the paperwork said so. All legal recourse is to Panasonic not D&G, it's not that unusual for companies to farm the work out but that does alter who is ultimately responsible.
I'm can't comment on this particular company, but generally speaking they would be in breach of the Panasonic DSN agreement/contract.
From my understanding, a Panasonic DSN should be willing to accept repairs on any applicable equipment within their service area.
If you are not happy, a call to Panasonic Customer Care on 0844 844 3852 should clarify the matter.
I am sure Panasonic are happy with the agent turning away
Panasonic stuff bought elsewhere to keep the dealer on board. TE Roberts openly say to customers that "we only service TVs bought from us".
I dont see Panasonic getting rid of its only full dealer,in what is the largest town in North Wales, they had this service exclusion with Sony when they had its sole dealership.
I am sure Panasonic are happy with the agent turning away
Panasonic stuff bought elsewhere to keep the dealer on board. TE Roberts openly say to customers that "we only service TVs bought from us".
I dont see Panasonic getting rid of its only full dealer,in what is the largest town in North Wales, they had this service exclusion with Sony when they had its sole dealership.
As I explained above, with Sony they would have been an ASD (not an ASC), so were under no obligation to service equipment sold elsewhere (and in fact Sony would never refer customers there). It's quite possible that Panasonic run a similar scheme? - they tend to mirror each other fairly well.
Why should one dealer offer warranty service on another dealers sales? - as a dealer why would we want to offer customer support to Comet or Currys customers?. It's not a profitable business, you only get paid a "contribution towards your costs".
As I explained above, with Sony they would have been an ASD (not an ASC), so were under no obligation to service equipment sold elsewhere (and in fact Sony would never refer customers there). It's quite possible that Panasonic run a similar scheme? - they tend to mirror each other fairly well.
Why should one dealer offer warranty service on another dealers sales? - as a dealer why would we want to offer customer support to Comet or Currys customers?. It's not a profitable business, you only get paid a "contribution towards your costs".
agree thats what TE Roberts say, why should we service a Sony/Pany bought down the road at Tessie the Grocer.
Comments
As I've said, that may be the current procedure - but around 2007 the Panasonic warranties were via D&G - I've no way of knowing when (or if) they changed. There's also nothing in your post above which proves that they aren't still through D&G, as that was presumably the same procedure for the D&G ones. Although I do presume they have gone direct, as Sony did, for financial reasons.
Sony was exactly the same, register with Sony, receive a certificate from Sony, service via the Sony service network - even though the warranty was via D&G. It makes little difference to the customer, who doesn't even know.
I don't know about Panasonic, but Sony have two different service types ASC and ASD (don't you love all these TLA's )
ASC (Authorised Service Centres) accept repairs from anywhere, ASD (Authorised Service Dealers) are only obliged to accept repairs they have sold. If you ring Sony, they will only pass you details for ASC's, and won't give you details for ASD's at all.
We're currently an ASD, but back when there only were ASC's we generally declined repairs sold elsewhere due to lack of 'proof of purchase' - all our invoices have the items serial number on it, so we wouldn't accept anything without the serial number on the invoice (which none of the multiples do).
You need to consider what warranty jobs are - they pay a 'contribution' towards your costs, they don't pay the going rate for the job. This is why the majority of warranty service companies go bust - doing warranty service for others is a difficult business.
Nigel, I think the key difference is if the customer pays extra for the warranty or not. If the warranty comes free, from a promotion offered by Panasonic through a participating dealer and the customer has to send off the form to Panasonic, then it is a direct Panasonic warranty.
If on the other hand the customer gets just the normal 12 month guarantee and registers the product, they will probably be invited to pay for an extended warranty through Panasonic, but run by D&G.
The Pana 5 year warranty is as I stated -- its in house .
Ian
And over the years I'm quids in. Sure, things go tango uniform from time to time and I have to fork out some dosh, but overall the money I've spent on repairs or early replacement (don't recall having to do that) has been way, way less than all the warrantees would have cost.
No, the original Panasonic free five year warranty was run by D&G on behalf of Panasonic (Panasonic paid the policy to D&G). As I've said, I don't know when (or even if) it changed? - and as I've also said, it's completely transparent to the customer.
Sony changed from D&G to direct on 1/12/2008 - I would presume Panasonic were probably a similar date?, as they seemed to be tracking each fairly well on the extended warranty front. As far as I'm aware, Panasonic offered the free five year warranty through D&G BEFORE Sony did, and Sony played catch-up.
I don't like to go on about D&G, but (as far as I know) almost all warranty registration cards go to D&G, NOT to the manufacturer - simply so D&G can then try and sell you an extended warranty.
This is the only reason for the registration card, there's no need whatsoever to register the standard guarantee.
However, if it's an extended warranty (as with Sony and Panasonic at present), you MUST register it using the supplied paperwork, or you won't get the extended warranty. You will receiver a policy/certificate in due course, the number off of which is required for any servicing.
As a responsible dealer, and as a service to our customers, we actually send the five year registration off ourselves - to ensure it doesn't get missed.
We first experienced the Panasonic free five year warranty promotion in May 2007, which I believe is when it was first introduced.
To the best of my knowledge these have absolutely nothing to do with D&G. As I mentioned earlier, the warranty form is returned to Panasonic in Bracknell and is dealt with in-house.
If we repair a Panasonic TV which has an extended warranty of the type discussed, we put in a extended warranty claim using the Panasonic warranty claim system.
It does not go through D&G. For one thing, if it did, we would have to phone up and obtain authoisation if the repair was going to be over a certain figure. This is generally not the case with Panasonic.
We were told around then, by our local Panasonic service agent, that the scheme was through D&G.
I even have a vague recollection that it was even mentioned in ERT magazine?, perhaps that it was under-written by D&G or something?. Or perhaps I'm just getting too old
As they would be, just as Sony forms are sent to Sony - that has nothing to do with either D&G or the manufacturer actually funding the warranty.
Exactly as with Sony, both the D&G and the direct ones are done via Sony's warranty system, and paid at normal Sony warranty rates.
That's where it differs, and is the only thing hinting towards it not been D&G - although presumably it would depend on Panasonics contract with D&G (if any).
The D&G ones with Sony require authorisation from D&G over a certain figure, with that number been entered on the warranty claim.
You say it's 'generally' not the case?, does this mean there are cases where you need to get authorisation?.
I'll have to see if I can 'bump in to' the Panasonic agent again, but we don't cross paths very often - too far apart, and too few points of contact (generally it's only when one of us wants something from the other ).
Perhaps I should have very seldomly. It's only odd cases such as cosmetic problems etc, that require prior approval.
Replacing a PDP or a LCD panel does not require authorisation, such as it would with D&G.
I haven't seen the specific warranties that other have had so can't comment on those but I've just checked mine that I got exactly 3 years ago and there is no mention of D&G in it.
Whether Panasonic paid D&G to run this or not is largely irrelevant, the warranty was with Panasonic because all the paperwork said so. All legal recourse is to Panasonic not D&G, it's not that unusual for companies to farm the work out but that does alter who is ultimately responsible.
I am sure Panasonic are happy with the agent turning away
Panasonic stuff bought elsewhere to keep the dealer on board. TE Roberts openly say to customers that "we only service TVs bought from us".
I dont see Panasonic getting rid of its only full dealer,in what is the largest town in North Wales, they had this service exclusion with Sony when they had its sole dealership.
As I explained above, with Sony they would have been an ASD (not an ASC), so were under no obligation to service equipment sold elsewhere (and in fact Sony would never refer customers there). It's quite possible that Panasonic run a similar scheme? - they tend to mirror each other fairly well.
Why should one dealer offer warranty service on another dealers sales? - as a dealer why would we want to offer customer support to Comet or Currys customers?. It's not a profitable business, you only get paid a "contribution towards your costs".
agree thats what TE Roberts say, why should we service a Sony/Pany bought down the road at Tessie the Grocer.