The Incredible Disappearing Warranty Receipt!

[CobraPilot]

We all buy computer stuff . . . . some of it with warranties which we usually can't find when we need them . . .

I began putting all my warranty information and accompanying receipts in a 3-ring notebook, thinking the next time something broke under warranty, I'd be ready . . .

Imagine my surprise when I reviewed some older receipts and found they were completely faded and unreadable, even though they had NOT been exposed to sunlight!

These receipts are the cash register type used by most mass-merchandise retailers in the US (OfficeMax, Office Depot, Staples, Best Buy).

If I were the suspicious type, I'd think someone was trying to make it difficult for me to get warranty service . . . but that would NEVER happen, would it?

Since most warranty service requires an ORIGINAL receipt, does anyone have any ideas of how to stop this fading process? Maybe some sort of "fixer" that is sprayed on the receipt?

[JohnnyMalaria]

What I do is scan/photocopy the receipt and keep the original, so if the original fades too much, you can take both with you.

[Squash]

I've had the same problem. Some pretty good tips here:

http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/08/28/2043237

and here:

http://www.blog.businessknowhow.com/2006/09/fading_receipts.htm

[Faustus]

Yeah and often if you leave them in a car during summer they are ruined.

Anystore that sells is own store warranty likely can look your receipt up if ou can provide enough info..

I know compusa can, that is IF you have the store warranty... or an applecare

[DereX888]

Yes, that is a major pain with some receipts (specially those from the thin rolls that feel like fax papers). At first I kept all my income tax related stuff in boxes in the basement storage room next to house heater... when I was audited all those 'fax-alike' receipts were unreadable or almost blank. Lots of trouble. After they 'adjusted' my taxes because I couldnt obtain new receipt copies from those small stores, I learned to scan/print copies of everything since then; and I keep digital version on a designated DVD-RAM discs through the fiscal year, with the DVD-R backups stored in my parents house. Its more hassle but its cheaper that way than to pay 'adjusted income taxes' again

[Bjs]

Grab a wide roll of clear tape , and use it just like your laminating them , it works .

[RabidDog]

I would keep the old receipts and also write down the main details .. maybe even photograph them (we all have digital cameras dont we?) . Its really up to the shop to show that any gtee you are claiming is invalid, which they will quickly do using their records. Its worth having those details for your insurance anyway. But yes they are suspiciously faded even if kept in locked sealed drawers, away from heat. Next time insist they put a fresh printer ink in their machine before printing the receipt. 5 year gtee? Will the shop still be running??

[lingyi]

Grab a wide roll of clear tape , and use it just like your laminating them , it works .

Great idea! Just don't heat laminate them though. A lot of receipts are thermal prints. As mentioned, they're heat and light sensitive and I've seen thermal paper turn completely BLACK when run through a heat laminator.

I work at an office supply store and on the rare occasion that I sell an extended warranty, I always tell the customer to make a copy of the receipt immediately. I've seen receipts fade within a few days even though the store is air-conditioned for the majority of the day and the receipts were under the counter in the dark.

[lingyi]

Yeah and often if you leave them in a car during summer they are ruined.

Anystore that sells is own store warranty likely can look your receipt up if ou can provide enough info..

I know compusa can, that is IF you have the store warranty... or an applecare

Some stores (perhaps the majority) utilize third-party sources for extended warranty services (part of the reason why I personally rarely push extended warranties). There's no personal or contact info taken at the register to verify the warranty purchaser. The warranty is strictly between the purchaser and the warranty company. The store where you made the initial purchase isn't part of the agreement at all.

[oldandinthe way]

Never had a problem using a copy of the receipt. Also many companies will obviate your binder need by actually keeping track of warranties that have been registered with them online.

[CobraPilot]

Bjs wrote:
PostPosted: Sep 19, 2007 21:41
Grab a wide roll of clear tape , and use it just like your laminating them , it works.
__________

I tried this with a non-vital receipt, covering it with clear shipping tape . . . .

Faded to illegibility in about 24 hours!!

I am now following one other suggestion, that of photocopying the original and attaching it to the original. I put a note with a permanent marker on the original as to its purpose before photocopying it. Then, when the original fades out, but the note does not, it should prove content of the original.

Still looking for some technique that *really* preserves an original . . . . .