Internet-based electronics retailer Kogan has offered to assist customers who purchased TVs covered by extended warranties through failed provider United Warranties.
Kogan released a statement today saying that it would lend a hand to customers through its own Australia-wide after-sales support network, with aid including " troubleshooting advice, provision of parts where available, access to repair centres around Australia, expertise in in-home repairs, guidance on technical fixes, and product repairs".
Kogan founder and CEO Ruslan Kogan said the offer of assistance came despite the company's history of baiting its competitors: "“We usually don’t shy away from pointing the finger at our competitors when they do the wrong thing by customers. But, at a time like this, when so many Aussie customers look like they will be left out in the lurch - it is more important to lend a hand than point a finger."
After-sales warranty provider United Warranties recently went into liquidation, holding contracts for extended warranty support with dozens of retailers including Myer, Harvey Norman and Big W. Customers who purchased products with extended warranty plans through these retailers are likely covered by United warranty programs.
United offered extended warranties for one-year, two-year, five-year and six-year brackets with on-site and off-site service. At the time of United's liquidation, the company had waiting to be completed at its service centres.
Kogan's extended warranty assistance offer is only valid to TVs purchased with United extended warranties. “To register your product with us, simply email assistance@kogan.com.au with your details. We will do what we can to ensure that you aren’t left hanging in the air by the retailers who sold you the warranty, whether it’s Big W, Myer, Dick Smith*, Bing Lee, Harvey Norman or JB Hi-Fi,” Ruslan Kogan said.
GoodGearGuide has contacted Kogan for further information and clarification.
* Update: A representative of Dick Smith has contacted GoodGearGuide to clarify that the company's extended warranties are offered through The Warranty Group, not United Warranties.
