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John Livingston's

The Nuclear Electrical Engineer

An educational resource for electrical engineers in the nuclear power industry

Here you can find design tips on technical skills like cable and breaker sizing, short-circuit evaluations and more, PLUS deep-dive analysis of nuclear-specific topics like design basis, Tech Specs, UFSARs, and safety-related SSCs — built from primary source documents.

Tip of the Week · Feature

Don’t pay full price for your next warranty

John Livingston
November 14, 2015 · 1 min read

I learned a valuable lesson several years ago. Let me share the story with you. . . .

I was shopping for a new washer and dryer. I went to a popular retailer because I wanted free delivery and installation.

After picking out the units I wanted, the salesman took me to the register to pay. Then he asked me the big question: do you want to purchase our extended warranty?

The warranty is like gravy on top for the retailer. It’s almost pure profit.

I said no. But he got pushy. He was a real talker. He knew how to sell.

Finally, having gotten tired of his sales pitch, I figured I would make him an ultimatum that he wouldn’t be able to accept.

I said, “I tell you what. If you give me the full warranty at half price, I’ll buy it.”

Without even hesitating, he said “Deal.”

I didn’t want to go back on my word, so I took the warranty. At half price.

He responded so quickly that I realize I should have asked for 75% off. I left money on the table. And my washer and dryer have never had a problem.

The lesson is this: if you must take the warranty, negotiate for it. Ask for a discount.

A deep discount. Don’t pay full price.