dschonbrun
Contributor
Warranty obligations and authorized vs. unauthorized dealers has been a long standing legal discussion which has become more pressing recently given internet stores that have minimal costs and inventory (they often drop ship).
The point of authorized dealer networks is to ensure that the public is provided with accurate product info, guaranteed new products (not refurbs), proper service, and consumer education [not to mention price management].
Leisure Pro, and other non-authorized sites on the web offer products at significantly reduced prices. In other industries, like high end watches, manufacturers preclude companies from selling online for less than MSRP or agreed upon sale price. Manufacturers like Rolex protect their name and prices by chasing and threatening litigation against unathorized dealers. For some reason, SUUNTO seems unwilling or unable to do this.
SUUNTO and wholesale distributors make the same money when dealing with online sites as with retailers (for the most part). So, they don't really care. They just want to move product. And honestly, based on their policy, since your warranty is void when a consumer buys through an unauthorized dealer, they have less risk of future expenses in fixing faulty product purchased through this channel.
Since SUUTNO allows Leisure Pro to continue selling their products, SUUNTO actually has a defacto culpability/obligation, no matter what it says on the warranty card around "authorized" dealers. The courts have begun expecting manufacturers/distributors to police their vendors. And it's as is should be. The products are licensed... and you can't advertise a company's product on your site without their express permission. If SUUNTO wanted... they could shut down LP's site while all SUUNTO products were removed... it would only take one fierce letter from SUUNTO lawyers with a copy sent to the US Attorney's office for trademark infringement.
Frankly, SUUNTO sells more product by allowing LP and other stores to continue. SUUNTO's action, or lack of it, just goes to show you that selling product is more important to them than honoring warranty claims.
All That said,.. I own a SUUNTO vector for hiking climbing, and a SUUNTO Vyper 2 for diving. Both were purchased at authorized dealers, where I negotiated 20% discounts. I believe they make good products, and I believe they could do more to support authorized dealers by cracking down on unathorized ones.
End Rant. Interested to hear what others think about this... is LP Capitalism in action, or are they breaking the law? Is SUUNTO being irresponsible?
Cheers,
D
The point of authorized dealer networks is to ensure that the public is provided with accurate product info, guaranteed new products (not refurbs), proper service, and consumer education [not to mention price management].
Leisure Pro, and other non-authorized sites on the web offer products at significantly reduced prices. In other industries, like high end watches, manufacturers preclude companies from selling online for less than MSRP or agreed upon sale price. Manufacturers like Rolex protect their name and prices by chasing and threatening litigation against unathorized dealers. For some reason, SUUNTO seems unwilling or unable to do this.
SUUNTO and wholesale distributors make the same money when dealing with online sites as with retailers (for the most part). So, they don't really care. They just want to move product. And honestly, based on their policy, since your warranty is void when a consumer buys through an unauthorized dealer, they have less risk of future expenses in fixing faulty product purchased through this channel.
Since SUUTNO allows Leisure Pro to continue selling their products, SUUNTO actually has a defacto culpability/obligation, no matter what it says on the warranty card around "authorized" dealers. The courts have begun expecting manufacturers/distributors to police their vendors. And it's as is should be. The products are licensed... and you can't advertise a company's product on your site without their express permission. If SUUNTO wanted... they could shut down LP's site while all SUUNTO products were removed... it would only take one fierce letter from SUUNTO lawyers with a copy sent to the US Attorney's office for trademark infringement.
Frankly, SUUNTO sells more product by allowing LP and other stores to continue. SUUNTO's action, or lack of it, just goes to show you that selling product is more important to them than honoring warranty claims.
All That said,.. I own a SUUNTO vector for hiking climbing, and a SUUNTO Vyper 2 for diving. Both were purchased at authorized dealers, where I negotiated 20% discounts. I believe they make good products, and I believe they could do more to support authorized dealers by cracking down on unathorized ones.
End Rant. Interested to hear what others think about this... is LP Capitalism in action, or are they breaking the law? Is SUUNTO being irresponsible?
Cheers,
D