I am a sales associate that is non-commissioned at a local retail store. I subscribe to consumer reports so that I can stay up to date on ratings and product information. I have been noticing over the last 8 months, that the information that consumer reports is giving on products is outdated. The products that they are rating are old models.in our retail chain, we get new models every six months or so.By the time consumer reports rates these products, they are already clearanced items in our store or are no longer available because the new models are out. Consumer Reports claims to be non biased, but I am not sure if that is true. They also bash extended warranty and service plans. As an associate that is non-commissioned, I can assure you that service plans are not a rip off if you need to use them. I have replaced numerous big ticket items for customers. Saying that service plans are a rip off is like saying that we do not need life insurance or burial insurance. Just yesterday, I replaced a 3000.00 refrigerator that came from the manufacturer as a lemon. Unfortunately, there will be lemons in the bunch. A 250.00 service plan covered this consumer. The 250.00 was coverage for 5 years. He was very thankful that he purchased the 250.00 service plan and was not out of another 3000.00 for a new refrigerator. A typical service call is 50.00 to 80.00. The one year manufacturers warranty covers you one year on parts and labor, but not on the service call.in my retail store, if we have to come out more than 3 times, we replace the unit. I have replaced items for customer many times, and it just feels good to know that we had them covered. I may or may not be in this business forever, but I can assure you that an extended warranty or a service plan is not a rip off.
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