Hints From Heloise

Fri., Dec. 26, 1997

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: My food processor wasn’t working properly and per my saved warranty information I found that the problem was covered.

When calling their 800 number I mentioned that I no longer had the sales slip but knew when the machine was purchased. I was informed that there was a number on the bottom of the machine, which they needed. According to that number, the machine had apparently sat in the warehouse for over a year. That period plus the time since my purchase rendered the machine out of warranty.

I feel this practice is unfair to the consumer. I had to purchase a new food processor. - Roslyn Garett, Springfield, Mo.

This does pose a problem when you don’t have the receipt. We did some checking and learned that most companies consider the day of purchase as the start date of the warranty.

Without a sales receipt (proof of the date on which the item was purchased), the date of manufacture is used. So, your letter is a good reason why it’s important to save the sales receipt.

- Heloise

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