As a retail business owner, you offer products backed by manufacturer warranties—basic guarantees from the manufacturer that the item will function correctly for a set period. These limited warranties promise to repair or replace defective parts caused by production errors, but they’re always accompanied by restrictions, exclusions and strict requirements.

Manufacturer warranties are an important baseline, but they often leave customers exposed—and frustrated—when real-life accidents happen. Keep reading to learn why providing the manufacturer’s warranty alone isn’t enough to protect your customers against damages, and how a robust extended protection program like Mulberry fills the gaps.

What do manufacturer’s warranties cover?

1. Production defects only: they handle faults directly tied to manufacturing—like a flawed motor in a new appliance or a motherboard failure in electronics

1. Specific parts & timeframes: manufacturer coverage typically applies to designated components and expires after a fixed term (often 90 days to one year)
2. Part replacement: manufacturers generally pay for the defective part itself, though labor and service fees vary by product and brand

Where do manufacturer’s warranties fall short?

1. Limited scope of coverage: spills, drops, wear-and-tear, and user errors aren’t included—your customer foots the bill for every cracked screen, dented panel, or fluid-damaged board.
   Why that falls short: your customer’s new blender might be flawless off the line—but a slip, a spill, or daily wear can disable it just as easily as a factory flaw. When a manufacturer’s warranty denies the claim siting accidental damage, the out-of-pocket repair or replacement cost falls entirely on your customer.
   
   
2. Limited duration: high-value products often last well beyond the manufacturer’s warranty window, leaving buyers unprotected in years two, three, and beyond when damage is more likely to occur
   Why that falls short: High-investment products—furniture, electronics, appliances—remain in service well past one year. Customers expect products to last years; a one-year coverage window means that long after the “warranty period,” they’re on their own for any repairs.
   
   
3. Insufficient remedies & fine print: the manufacturer will most often suggest repair or part replacement as the initial solution. Sometimes they will require multiple repair attempts before a full replacement. Some manufacturer’s warranties will even require customers to split repair expenses or they’ll only cover parts (not labor), creating unexpected out-of-pocket costs
   Why that falls short: for customers who need immediate, like-for-like equipment—think a critical kitchen appliance mid-holiday season—waiting for multiple service visits isn’t acceptable. And patchwork repairs on products with aesthetic damage (scratches, dents) don’t restore the product’s “like new” appearance or function.
   
   
4. Complex claims processes: lengthy paperwork, authorized-service requirements, and shipping hassles frustrate customers—eroding trust in both the manufacturer and the retailer where the product was purchased
   Why that falls short: time-consuming claim-filing processes, inconvenient drop-offs, and constant phone transfers frustrate customers. They may simply abandon their claim and chalk the loss up to bad luck and poor warranty coverage (which saves the manufacturer money and time), resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket costs to replace their product.

Manufacturer warranties set a floor, not a safety net - they simply can’t meet customer expectations given the limited scope and duration of coverage. To protect your customers against real damage—and differentiate your brand—offer a customizable protection program like Mulberry that provides comprehensive coverage, extends coverage terms, and simplifies the claims process. That extra layer of reassurance can reduce returns, boost customer satisfaction, and create loyal customers.

Ready to turn extended warranties into a conversion engine and drive incremental revenue at no cost to you? Reach out to our team and we'll help you design a customized protection program to support your customers and your business.