I received an invitation to renew my service plan, which reminded me I have an issue with my 42" Magnavox plasma TV. I called for service, and boy, did I get the run-around - not to mention a refusal by Best Buy to honor the Plan they sold me. I spoke with the "geek squad" black tie folks and customer relations several times but it only resulted in them telling me my claim could not be honored. Here's the issue: The gloss finish on the TV frame/housing is blistering and flaking off. Nothing was done to the TV to make this happen and the front surface does not get hot to the touch; cleaning has only been accomplished with a dust rag (no spray-on products). The service plan I bought from BB at the time of purchase states: "This Plan covers manufacturer's defects in materials and workmanship that are the result of normal usage." (There are no specifics regarding transistors, pixels, electronics, housing, etc.) "This Plan provides coverage for product failures due to dust, heat, humidity and normal wear and tear." (I did move from a high humidity area to very low humidity.) The exclusion BB is arguing has do do with cosmetics, but the General Exclusions section of the Plan I purchased states with respect to cosmetics: "Also not covered are ... cosmetic damage and problems due to improper and/or non-factory authorized installation or repairs." In that there was no improper, or any in fact, previous repairs to the TV, the finish flaking problem is clearly a result of improper workmanship of the finish and/or a defect in the material used. In addition to what the Plan states, the sales team that sold me the set (in Woodbridge, VA) told me the extended warranty was a "bumper to bumper" Plan that would take care of any issues. (Their statement won't necessarily stand up in court, but I'd bet many of you have been talked into into buying extended warranties.) Little did I know that a company the size of Best Buy would look for any angle to get out of honoring it's commitment. I regret doing business with them.
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