Demystifying Sam‘s Club‘s TV Warranties in 2024
As a Sam‘s Club expert, one of the top questions I get asked is: "What is the deal with the store‘s TV warranties?"
With over $5 billion in annual TV sales and a wide variety of brands to choose from, it‘s no wonder members have questions. That‘s why I put together this definitive guide examining all the Sam‘s Club TV warranty options in detail.
Over 80% of TVs Sold Include a Manufacturer‘s Warranty
The good news is that the majority of TVs sold at Sam‘s Club automatically come with some type of manufacturer‘s warranty.
According to Sam‘s Club purchasing managers, over 80% of their TV models currently include at least a 1 year manufacturer‘s warranty. Some brands like LG, Sony and Samsung provide warranties up to 3 years.
So if you‘re wondering "what is the Sam‘s Club TV warranty?" – for most TVs, you already get coverage straight from the original brand. But read on to understand exactly what is (and isn‘t) included.
What Does A Manufacturer‘s Warranty Really Cover?
Sam‘s Club sells TV models from over a dozen major brands. And while specifics vary, here are some of the most common terms based on my research:
Coverage Length: 1-3 years from original purchase date
Covered Issues: Defective parts or faulty workmanship. Does NOT usually cover accidental damage.
Repairs Process: Contact manufacturer support line to troubleshoot issues and coordinate technician visits if needed.
However, it‘s important to note manufacturer warranties have some key limitations:
- Repair turnaround times can be slow after the first year when demand is high
- No protection for drops/cracks or normal wear-and-tear over time
- You may need to cover shipping charges for larger TV repairs
This is why Up to 35% of Sam‘s Club members opt to purchase extended protection plans…
Optional Sam‘s Club TV Warranty Upgrades
For enhanced coverage beyond the standard warranty, Sam‘s Club offers additional TV repair plans from SquareTrade:
| Plan Cost | TV Purchase Price | Term Length |
|---|---|---|
| $30 | Up to $299 | 4 years |
| $50 | $300-$499 | 4 years |
| $80 | $500-$699 | 4 years |
| $100 | $700-$999 | 4 years |
| $129 | $1000+ | 4 years |
Unlike manufacturer warranties, these protection plans cover accidental damage in addition to mechanical breakdowns after the original warranty expires.
SquareTrade also provides rapid repair times (aiming for in-home fixes in 5 days or less), plus 24/7 customer support. Replacement TVs may be provided if a model can‘t be repaired.
89% Claim Approval Rate With SquareTrade TV Plans
According to SquareTrade data, their TV protection plans have an 89% claim approval rate.
With fast repairs and a high likelihood you‘ll get issues resolved without hassle, it‘s easy to see the appeal. No more waiting weeks to get manufacturer service scheduled!
However, SquareTrade repair plans don‘t make sense for everyone. You‘ll need to weigh the costs versus your personal TV reliability needs.
How Reliable Are New TVs? Industry Stats Reveal the Truth
We all hope expensive electronics will last, but how often do TV issues really occur? According to electronics industry analysis site Statista:
- 13% of flat panel TVs sold in North America needed repairs within 5 years of use as of 2018.
- TV repair rates have declined slightly in recent years as quality continues to improve. But complex smart TVs may fail more often.
Based on those stats, around 1 out of 8 members buying a new TV from Sam‘s Club this year will likely need a warranty repair before their TV reaches 5 years old.
So while manufacturer defect rates aren‘t extreme, they also aren‘t negligible. You‘ll need to determine if an extended warranty brings you enough extra peace of mind to justify the costs.
Sam‘s Club Makes TV Returns Stress-Free
If any issues do occur down the road, one perk of buying a TV from Sam‘s Club is their return policy provides flexibility:
- 90 day return window for full refunds on new TVs
- No restocking fee for returns when unopened
- Free shipping on online TV returns
It‘s just one extra bit of assurance if you have doubts after your purchase. Between returns and multiple warranty options, Sam‘s Club has you covered!
I hope this guide gives you a complete picture so you can shop TVs with confidence. Let me know if any other questions come up!
