I've just returned home from Midland gamefair with some disturbing news.

It seems the "Big Three" Optics makers have decided to reduce the warranty on all their product ranges to 10 years only!

This information came from the Swarovski UK rep directly who explained this is a joint move by the "Big Three" to reduce their operating costs as keeping spares and technicians trained up on older products was getting too expensive.

Any current Swarovski stock will be continued to be sold with the original 30 year warranty, but as dealers get new stock, these will only have a 10 year warranty.

Some what shocked, I went over to the Zeiss UK stand, and their Rep repeated the same thing virtually word for word..I assume the third company will be Leica but I can't confirm this as they didn't have a stand present. These were not dealers BTW, but actual reps on the Swarovski UK and Zeiss UK trade stands...This info is therefore direct from the horses mouth!

The Swarovski rep also gave me the distinct impression that 10 years after a product had been discontinued, they would no longer be supporting it full stop, as they don't intend to hold spares beyond that time period.

I let both Reps know that I was hugely disappointed at their decisions and the fact they have collaborated to stiff the consumer in this manner. I should add that the RRP of the products has remained the same and not been adjusted lower to help compensate for these changes.

I was looking at get a pair of the new Swaro EL's when they become available after Christmas, but with just a 10 year warranty and the manner this has been done, I very much doubt I will...

Regards,

Pete

will the price go down?
(i doubt so)

Well, I have a pair of 8.5x42 EL, they are superb, but they have already been back for repair as the focusing mechanism failed. The new EL’s have a higher geared focussing mechanism, Swarovski even describe it as a “New Focussing Mechanism†– alluding to the past problems!

I was tempted to upgrade, but look at the downgrade in warranty this would now incur!! I suspect that the old models with the paper work for the lifetime warranty may even fetch a premium in the future.

I suspect your right Lincs stalker...Of course if everybody complains to Swaro Zeiss and Leica perhaps we can get them to change their minds.

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:
I suspect your right Lincs stalker...Of course if everybody complains to Swaro Zeiss and Leica perhaps we can get them to change their minds.

Pete, unfortunately given the demand for their products I doubt that they will need to. From what I understand from some Swaro Dealers I have spoken to there is no shortage of people looking to stump up unfortunately...

Warranty aside they can trade on the fact that they are still the best available.

FB

quote:

Originally posted by Fallow Buck:

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:
I suspect your right Lincs stalker...Of course if everybody complains to Swaro Zeiss and Leica perhaps we can get them to change their minds.

Pete, unfortunately given the demand for their products I doubt that they will need to. From what I understand from some Swaro Dealers I have spoken to there is no shortage of people looking to stump up unfortunately...

Warranty aside they can trade on the fact that they are still the best available.

FB

Being the best available, is in part due to the warranty/services availability also,! maybe they should be made aware of discussions such as in this topic?, I for one would think more than twice about any further purchases in the light of this news, maybe even looking at lower priced but good quality items from other manufacturers.

Ok Guys,

I've spoken to a mate involved with Swarovski and they have pointed out a few things that I thought would be relevent here.

Apparently the change in warranty is not down to an internal decision by the optic manufacturers but rather a requirement by new EU legislation that firms offering warranties must carry all parts for all models still under warranty. This effectively makes lifetime warranties impossible to offer in practical terms.

They pointed out to me that as most people will agree Swaro's after sales service is second to none in quality. They also said that even though they can't advertise a lifetime warranty on their products due to the legislation, they don't expect there to be any material difference to the consumer as they intend to continue to strive for their current service record.

I have nothing to do with Swarovski or any other manufacturers of optics but I think they are the best product out there. Personally I think that very few people would have an item for ten years or more before needing to invoke the warranty & so the actuall effect on the consumer would be minimal.

Rgds,
FB

quote:

Originally posted by Fallow Buck:
Ok Guys,

I've spoken to a mate involved with Swarovski and they have pointed out a few things that I thought would be relevent here.

Apparently the change in warranty is not down to an internal decision by the optic manufacturers but rather a requirement by new EU legislation that firms offering warranties must carry all parts for all models still under warranty. This effectively makes lifetime warranties impossible to offer in practical terms.

They pointed out to me that as most people will agree Swaro's after sales service is second to none in quality. They also said that even though they can't advertise a lifetime warranty on their products due to the legislation, they don't expect there to be any material difference to the consumer as they intend to continue to strive for their current service record.

I have nothing to do with Swarovski or any other manufacturers of optics but I think they are the best product out there. Personally I think that very few people would have an item for ten years or more before needing to invoke the warranty & so the actuall effect on the consumer would be minimal.

Rgds,
FB

Why can't those numpties in brussels keep to dictating the shape of cucumbers?

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Latham:
Why can't those numpties in brussels keep to dictating the shape of cucumbers?

Steve, In fact that pretty much sums it up!!