Registration Scam... Google It

[timbaker0365]

I just purchased a whole line of Ridgid cordless tools. A full 5 tool kit, plus other tools. I registered for the LSA, got a reply back within 10 days or so, registration complete except for 2 items. I submitted the receipt online, which was an online purchase receipt from HD. I got a reply back within maybe 3 days saying, "You're all set". So I've seemed to have had good "luck" with the registration process so far.

I'm not looking forward to testing the LSA however if something ever goes wrong. It looks like the nearest service center is 65 miles from me...?

[BadgerDave]

In this day and age with Authorized Service Centers for just about anything becoming harder and harder to find an hours drive isn't the end of the world. If I have a product that I feel is worth having fixed for free, a couple hours drive is just a nice road trip. Just one of the benefits of being retired.

[CWSmith]

The two of the three times that I've gone for "authorized service" (one Ryobi and one Ridgid), I've used UPS which was very little effort. The third time, I had a Ridgid Service place just a few miles south of me. That fellow was only in the business a short time though.

CWS

[Gary A]

In August 2013 I was ready to make a major purchase of power tools and saw the promotion for Ridgid's Lifetime Service Agreement. I went the Ridgid route based on the offer which even included the batteries in the specific offer. I completed the registration that day using the online system.

I just learned today that I was never issued the lifetime warranty and they said there is nothing I can do about it. The support rep just kept repeating that "for some reason' I was not covered and he would not honor my request to speak to anyone else. Frustrated I called him a name and he said I would never get to speak to anyone at Ridgid again and hung up on me. Every time I called back in it was him answering and as soon as I identified myself he would hang up. A real piece of work representing the corporate brand. Every avenue I call lands me back at the same office and I can't seem to get anywhere on this issue.

Now I see others recognize the LSA as a scam. I guess I have been scammed and have no recourse. Wish I hadn't just spent another couple thousand on Ridgid. DeWalt is looking better now and I will be encouraging all my employees to stay away from Ridgid and going another route.

[BadgerDave]

I don't believe that the online registration for the LSA was even available in 2013. Registration of the tool(s) into a data bank is what it sounds like you did. Companies make it sound like you need to register your purchase in order to receive their standard warranty but in actuality you don't need to. There was and still is an extra step required in order to register tools into the LSA Program. A quick read of the LSA registration requirements in your tools Owners Manual would have pointed that out. You can't call the LSA a scam when you failed to properly register your tools into the program.

[CWSmith]

I don't understand. You say you registered online, but I don't see how registration "online" was possible in 2013. Perhaps you were misinformed, as the LSA registration process required proof of purchase back then, in the way of sending in your receipt, etc.

It appears that you run a business and certainly that requires a bit of business savvy. It doesn't help when you loose your temper. I also don't understand why you weren't a bit more attentive to the details required to register for the LSA. Considering the investment you made in tools, that registration for guaranteed service was an important step. Also followup to ensure that whatever it is that you did was proper and confirmed.

Sorry for your misunderstanding, but in my many years of ownership and LSA registration I have not been disappointed and it is NOT a scam.

[Gary A]

Believe what you want. Attached is the screen shot of my online registration. I purchased on 8/22/13 and registered online 8/26/13. The registration exists and shows that I registered it on that date. Currently it shows online that they never honored the LSA and that the 3 years has expired. The registration wouldn't even exist on their site if I hadn't done it. You should avoid making claims about what couldn't have happened when you don't know.

[Bob D.]

When was the screen shot taken, on 8/26/13 when you registered the tools?

[nevernuf]

Hello. Throwing my two cents in here. Gary, looking at the screenshot, it does state they were registered on the 26th, but it also states the LSA registration is not complete, and to follow the instructions below.. It's in the note at the bottom. Maybe misleading, but perhaps that's why your registration didn't activate. So you should have defaulted to three years if that's the case.
I've had my tools for almost 5 years now. I believe all of mine are warrentied, as they are all listed on the website. The only thing I've had to have fixed was a charger that wasn't working, and the led light on an impact.. Nothing big really. Something to note though, is that the LSA agreement only applies if you use them for home use.. So, it's a 'commercial grade' tool, only warrentied for use at home.. Otherwise, it becomes a three year warrenty. I bought them for the LSA also, and found that out afterward. A little mis-leading, but it IS in the fine print, apparently. Another thing, the batteries are only covered by a LSA if bought in a kit, not individually. Just look at the package to see. So, If you need something fixed, just remember you only used that tool at home. I'm an electrician and they go through a lot, but they are all still working, including the batteries. My co-workers joke about them, but then when they try them, they are impressed. They are a tad bit heavier than the red or yellow, I think, but they are smooth and powerful. I'd stack them against other brands. Now, having said that, I (probably) wouldn't buy them again. They just don't seem to have the range of tools the other brands have. I've read and/or been told (Milwakee tool rep) that Ridgids parent company also owns Milwakee and Ryobi. So, if you need commercial grade tools, and are paying commercial grade tool prices, Milwakee offers more options, such as a cordless bandsaw. If you need occasional home use, Ryobi is ok for that. Why pay Milwakee prices for Ryobi use, unless you want the Lifetime warentee. Ryobi has a ton of tools, even a leaf blower. They had a rotary hammer before Ridgid! Remember though, Milwakee (and DeWalt) only have a three year warentee anyway, so it's the tool choices you're gaining. And, you'll be able to borrow someones batteries if yours run down. (Not many will take yours, if you're orange..) If you read the boxes, those tools are made in China anyway.
I'm most likely switching to Makita. Not the in-vougue tool these days, and even though the red and yellow are the popular choices, most people that use the green agree they are smooth, with lots of anti-vibration. IF Ridgid offered a cordless bandsaw, I'd probably stay loyal, but who knows when/if it'll come out?
Hope this didn't ramble too much, and sorry if these points were already covered, but nowadays registration online, quick, and fairly easy. But just know if you buy them for use at work, it is a 3 year warrenty anyway. Good tools, but but their main downfall seems to be selection, and the LSA confusion..