RIDGID lifetime service agreement - is it a scam?

[bimmerZ5]

Around BF last year, I bought a few RIDGID tools from Home Depot. Got a portable table saw and a portable stand for my mitre saw. I went ahead and registered online, provided my receipt number and all other information. It said my "LSA" status was pending verification so I waited. I just so happened to remember this today and decided to check the website only to find that *both* of my tools have been declined for "LSA"; there was no email notification or anything. If I hadn't bothered to check today, it may have become too late.

I thought maybe I entered something incorrectly and went back to check what I entered and the records I kept; everything was correct. Now, they are asking me to mail in my receipt and a print out of the message from the website. I have no problems doing that, but the information is no different than what I have already entered.

My general distrust of corporate America makes me wonder if this is RIDGID's (off the books) way to reduce the number of tools that get registered for LSA? The lengthy process, the lack of notification, the fact that *BOTH* of my tools got declined in the same fashion, and then having read very similar stories in many reviews (which was why I was careful to keep all my records and event cut out the UPC code from the box).

What have other people experienced registering their RIDGID tools online?

 

[lightning02]

this is why i never bought into there tools even tho i wanted to. i dont believe in there warranty. idc if there are a few it worked for. if you do a good bit of research you will see the % of the reviews are not good about there warranty. for every 1 good review there is like 10 bad ones about there warranty.

 

[FriendOfYours]

I've registered more than a dozen tools and batteries, all with no issues. Just got two new 18v replacements a couple months ago as well

 

[bimmerZ5]

I've registered more than a dozen tools and batteries, all with no issues. Just got two new 18v replacements a couple months ago as well

just to clarify, you registered using their online website? Did you purchase in-store or online at homedepot.com?

 

[jptbay]

Warrantied items on 2 separate occasions. Both good experiences.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Warrantied items on 2 separate occasions. Both good experiences.

I'm not so much concerned about using the warranty as I am that they have concocted a scheme to deny registration for the "service agreement" in the 1st place. How did you register your RIDGID products? via online website or mail?

 

[wafrederick]

Does not cover recon tools,new tools only

 

[cbacres]

I have two drill kits and have replaced three batteries and a charger. It takes a couple of weeks, but I have always got the replacements.

I registered online and you have to send the receipt and the proof of purchase of the box, I think the upc barcode. You have to mail in, which I'm not thrilled about. I always scan the receipt and the proof. They are slow.

It's a pain, but it's the last batteries I'll have to buy for a while.

Whe you get the replacements, they also have to be registered.

I just bought the brushless hammer drill/ saw combo. I was looking to get two more batts, but they only have a three year warrenty. Thee combo was online for $159, when you clicked on to buy it went to $179 and when I went to the store is was $149.
It includes two batts, so a decent deal compare to $ 99 for just the two pack of batts.
I agree they don't make it easy, but I have had no problems.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I registered online and you have to send the receipt and the proof of purchase of the box, I think the upc barcode. You have to mail in, which I'm not thrilled about. I always scan the receipt and the proof. They are slow.

Wait, when did you register? Last year? The year before? When I registered right after BF weekend, the process seem to indicate that as long as I enter the Home Depot receipt number correctly, I didn't have to mail anything in.

 

[mrvm]

No problem registering 6 years ago via mail and today it's much easier via online registration. Ridgid dashboard shows what tools are registered for LSA. Lifetime service agreement does not cover batteries or tools outside of kits. Have to buy a Ridgid cordless tool kit to qualify for LSA otherwise its only a 3yr warranty.

 

[cbacres]

Wait, when did you register? Last year? The year before? When I registered right after BF weekend, the process seem to indicate that as long as I enter the Home Depot receipt number correctly, I didn't have to mail anything in.

Last time I had to mail it the receipt and proof and I registered online, pending receiving. You have 90 days from purchase. It would of been 2014.

I'll have to look as it's been two years from the last time. It would sweet if it's just online, not to mention in this century.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Last time I had to mail it the receipt and proof and I registered online, pending receiving. You have 90 days from purchase. It would of been 2014.

I'll have to look as it's been two years from the last time. It would sweet if it's just online, not to mention in this century.

well, even if the process only required entering the receipt number, it apparently doesn't work. so... no sweetness to be had.

 

[Frontierajl]

No problem registering 6 years ago via mail and today it's much easier via online registration. Ridgid dashboard shows what tools are registered for LSA. Lifetime service agreement does not cover batteries or tools outside of kits. Have to buy a Ridgid cordless tool kit to qualify for LSA otherwise its only a 3yr warranty.

Bare tools usually qualify for the LSA. I think the only thing that doesn't is batteries outside of kits. My job site blower and fan both have the LSA and all of the other non-kit tools I've seen say LSA on the box.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Frontierajl]

I just registered 2 kits in the past month. The online process seems easy but both LSAs were originally denied because they 'couldn't' verify something. Both times they could/would not give specifics. I called to ask. I told them I didn't feel comfortable sending my original receipt because if the LSA didn't get approved in time I would be returning the kit. They said all I needed to send was a printout of the page saying they needed more info and a copy of my receipt. I called and talked to another employee who was actually helpful and said I could just email her a copy of my receipt. She updated the LSA status the next day. She did this for me on the next kit also.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mrvm]

Bare tools usually qualify for the LSA. I think the only thing that doesn't is batteries outside of kits. My job site blower and fan both have the LSA and all of the other non-kit tools I've seen say LSA on the box

Good to know about the tool-only purchase.....LSA makes Ridgid power tools even a smarter choice. To ensure the Ridgid battery is eligible for LSA, kits are the only way to go. Gen5X 3-speed impact (2000 in-lb) with battery+charger kit is marked down to $79

 

[Frontierajl]

Good to know about the tool-only purchase.....LSA makes Ridgid power tools even a smarter choice. To ensure the Ridgid battery is eligible for LSA, kits are the only way to go. Gen5X 3-speed impact (2000 in-lb) with battery+charger kit is marked down to $79

I agree. I bought my kits mainly because they were on sale and I wanted the batteries with the LSA. The tools were just a bonus basically at that point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fourjeepin]

I had my abrasive chop saw replaced. They even upgraded me to a newer model.

I have been switching to their cordless tools from Dewalt primarily due to the warranty. Been thinking about getting the BF circular saw combo kit at the next price drop, assuming they are still available at the next drop.

 

[soj]

I'm not so much concerned about using the warranty as I am that they have concocted a scheme to deny registration for the "service agreement" in the 1st place. How did you register your RIDGID products? via online website or mail?

I got the same feeling, that they have a plan to make the registration process difficult, hoping you will give up.

I got the same "need to verify" run a round, (after on line registration) but at least they sent me an email notification. I had to mail in the original receipt. This was last March. The tool (Oscillating Edge/ Belt Spindle Sander) now has trouble starting up, but it is still covered under the three year warranty.

The part about having to re-register something that is replaced under the LSA seems bogus as well. They replaced it, why should the consumer have to tell them what they did???? Again, I agree with the OP, it seems they make it hard, just to get you to forget or give up.
jp

 

[terry603]

similar thing for me, bought in store
after online registrstion they sent back they wanted original recpt and upc #

mailed in and got it all set up no issues
2nd time I did this, 1st time went by email no problems
have not had to use service agreement, so, I can't say how much it is worth

 

[cbacres]

Been worth it to me, 2 regular old style and 1 nicad battery, 1 charger.
I would estimate they would cost at least $ 200., more than the 149 I just spent on the new kit.

 

[jkwilson]

Bought mine online and when I tried to register they couldn't verify the purchase even though I provided the transaction information. Then they wanted me to print out the online order page and mail it to them. That represents an unbelievable level of incompetence. Asking a customer to print something from their web site and mail it to you? That is 100% BS and is probably just their way of discouraging warranty registrations.

 

[cbacres]

I just registered the new kit I bought on Monday online.It just asked for the receipt transaction number,, along with serial numbers, so I guess they have advanced som essence 2012.
I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Josey Wales]

I love it when someone posts "Properly registered".
I did properly register them, and was told they couldn't verify my purchase.
I went from being like a kid on Christmas morning, to cursing the brand.
I'm happy for the lucky ones.

 

[jumpdrive]

I was also on the receiving end of a huge runaround trying to register for LSA.
I also called when denied and even though my info was correct both people on the other end of the phone acted like I was trying to scam them. They wanted original UPC codes and original receipts.

I instead returned the $800 worth of tools.
In fairness, a 5 piece kit did register online with no issues, as did a grinder.

I rebought some new items and at the same time the store manager opened the boxes and did the online warranty from Home Depot's offfice computer as I sat beside her.
Warranties were denied.
She called and they essentially gave her the finger too.

They gladly returned the tools and I also returned other Ridgid items as I will not trust their warranty claims.

If they are putting up resistance and playing warranty games from the beginning, what sort of new rules, regulations, and hoops to jump through will appear when they feel they are starting to warrant too many items?
Costing them too much money?
Make the warranty process hsrder...

Zero trust with the parent company of Ridgid, Milwaukee, or Ryobi....

 

[jkwilson]

I just registered the new kit I bought on Monday online.It just asked for the receipt transaction number,, along with serial numbers, so I guess they have advanced som essence 2012.
I'll let you know how it goes.

And then in a couple of weeks you get the response of whether they actually registered or not.

 

[cbacres]

And then in a couple of weeks you get the response of whether they actually registered or not.

Correct. I've had no issues with the past registrations.

 

[dngrmse]

I was also on the receiving end of a huge runaround trying to register for LSA.
I also called when denied and even though my info was correct both people on the other end of the phone acted like I was trying to scam them. They wanted original UPC codes and original receipts.

I instead returned the $800 worth of tools.
In fairness, a 5 piece kit did register online with no issues, as did a grinder.

I rebought some new items and at the same time the store manager opened the boxes and did the online warranty from Home Depot's offfice computer as I sat beside her.
Warranties were denied.
She called and they essentially gave her the finger too.

They gladly returned the tools and I also returned other Ridgid items as I will not trust their warranty claims.

If they are putting up resistance and playing warranty games from the beginning, what sort of new rules, regulations, and hoops to jump through will appear when they feel they are starting to warrant too many items?
Costing them too much money?
Make the warranty process hsrder...

Zero trust with the parent company of Ridgid, Milwaukee, or Ryobi....

Ditto. Similar experience with a miter saw stand. Wanted me to mail them the original receipt and the UPC from the box I threw out, even though I provided receipt, transaction ID, and all that stuff on their registration site. Not going through all that trouble for a miter stand, it seems well built and doubt it'll break with the amount of use it'll get from me.

My concern is the hammer drill/circular saw combo i registered online that is "under review" I agree with the poster that mentioned they are trying to make it difficult to register in order to screw people out of the warranty. It worked in their favor for the miter saw, but if I get denied on the hammer drill combo, back to the store they will go.

Ill update once I hear either way.

 

[jkwilson]

Also, don't expect to see anything bad in the reviews on their site. They won't publish anything bad. I tried six times to get a 100% true and accurate review published and they won't do it.

 

[SMKS]

I don't think it's a "scam," but it's clearly set up so you have to jump through hoops sometimes, likely to limit the number of people who follow through and use it.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Reading things like this make me queasy and a bit irate.

If you call us up or send us a PM about a problem with one of our tools, and it sounds like something that shouldn't have happened, we're going to take care of you no matter what. Check the paperwork at the door.


____________
Chris
Product Manager

 

[Loscaldazar]

Zero trust with the parent company of Ridgid, Milwaukee, or Ryobi....

Pretty sure TTI (owns Milwaukee and Ryobi, only manufacturers Ridgid) doesn't do the warranty for Ridgid.

That's like saying Apex warranties Craftsman tools.

Unless I'm missing something.

I bought the angle grinder 2 pack from Ridgid specifically to use wire brushes on (since continued use of wire brushes can wreck the bearings in an angle grinder). No issue with the LSA registration, but it is strange that they make you wait 2+ weeks before approving it. Also having to re-register the replacement tool to continue to have the LSA. They do make it difficult to reduce the number of tools they have to warranty/repair.

 

[Frontierajl]

Pretty sure TTI (owns Milwaukee and Ryobi, only manufacturers Ridgid) doesn't do the warranty for Ridgid.

That's like saying Apex warranties Craftsman tools.

Unless I'm missing something.

I bought the angle grinder 2 pack from Ridgid specifically to use wire brushes on (since continued use of wire brushes can wreck the bearings in an angle grinder). No issue with the LSA registration, but it is strange that they make you wait 2+ weeks before approving it. Also having to re-register the replacement tool to continue to have the LSA. They do make it difficult to reduce the number of tools they have to warranty/repair.

When mine was denied and they had me email a copy of my receipt it was to an email address at the parent company (TTI). So I believe their warranty stuff does go through TTI.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Todd.Brock]

My experience is with a Ridgid Tile saw. I registered online when I bought it. The laser and and laser button cover broke and the water valve broke. I took it to HD , They sent me to the service desk. I had to pay $20 to have it shipped to the service center, and then into two or three weeks they will call me and tell me if the replacement costs are under warranty. They said that the warranty goes by the manufacture date, and it should qualify without issues for service for free. But it could take 4 to 6 weeks

 

[SMKS]

Pretty sure TTI (owns Milwaukee and Ryobi, only manufacturers Ridgid) doesn't do the warranty for Ridgid.

That's like saying Apex warranties Craftsman tools.

Unless I'm missing something.

You are missing something. One World Technologies handles the service agreement. One world is a fully-owned subsidiary of TTI.
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/three-year-limited-lsa

Service Communications

All Lifetime Service Agreement communications should be directed to One World Technologies, Inc., attn: RIDGID® Hand Held and Stationary Power Tool Technical Service or call (toll-free) 1- 866-539-1710.

This is from a court filing in a lawsuit from 2012:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCOURTS-mad-1_11-cv-10503/pdf/USCOURTS-mad-1_11-cv-10503-2.pdf

TTI is the parent corporation for TTI-NA and One World (“the domestic subsidiaries,” including Ryobi also). Document No. 25-1, at ¶2. TTI owns 98.4% of the shares of TTI-NA. Id. Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology, Ltd. owns the remaining shares. Id. One World is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TTI-NA.

 

[steed andersen]

They kept giving me hoops to jump through and denying my warranty registration. Good tools for being cheap but because of the warranty issue I will not be buying anything else they sell.

 

[mrvm]

Even if you screw up the simple registration process, you get a 3 year warranty that is competitive with some major brands out there. Buying a GenX5 impact for $52.50 with battery + charger + bag with a minimum of 3yr warranty ain't bad. LSA will cover tool, parts and batteries

R86035SB : GEN5X IMPACT DRIVER SPECIAL BUY KIT
PURCHASED: Jan-11-2016 | REGISTERED: Jan-11-2016
LSA pending

 

[cg81]

I got the 2 pack of 4.5" grinders on clearance for $59.99 last summer. Promptly registered online and was declined 2 weeks later. Next hoop , mail original recipt, upc, copy of email. A month later I get an email that it was approved. Much more difficult than it should have been. Hopefully I won't need to warranty them any time soon.

 

[Loscaldazar]

You are missing something. One World Technologies handles the service agreement. One world is a fully-owned subsidiary of TTI.
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/three-year-limited-lsa


This is from a court filing in a lawsuit from 2012:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCOURTS-mad-1_11-cv-10503/pdf/USCOURTS-mad-1_11-cv-10503-2.pdf

Hmm. Interesting. Seems strange that the warranty is so different between Milwaukee and Ridgid then. Milwaukee bends over backwards for you a lot of times.

 

[Todd.Brock]

When I called yesterday to check on my tile saw b/c if this thread, Ridgid said I will get the 20 bucks back and it's not covered by the LSA because registration didn't properly occur within 90 days . However - whom ever posted above about 3 yr warranty - is correct. It's still covered for 3 yrs. ***** it's not a lifetime, my error I guess for not following up on the website error. Now what makes me downright mad is the 3/8 ridgid drill I bought and stuck on a shelf and forgot to register. I assume it's covered for 3 years as well. I own that mistake. I don't plan to abuse it, but I managed to let the smoke out of two 3/8 DeWalt drills, so I bought the Ridgid- then forget to register the damn thing

 

[dngrmse]

Well, I said I would post a follow up, the online registration was denied, even though I completely and accurately filled out everything required. Below is the message I see on the website:

"YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS REQUIRED.

Thank you for choosing RIDGID power tools. Unfortunately, we encountered an issue when cross referencing your product and/or proof of purchase information with our records and were unable to upgrade your products to Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA) status.

You have 73 days remaining out of our 90-day window to complete the instructions below and achieve Lifetime Service Agreement status on your products (pending further processing and approval). Until then you are covered by the RIDGID 3 Year Limited Warranty.

To complete the LSA registration process, mail the following to RIDGID within 90 days of purchase for processing and approval:

1. Original Receipt (make a copy for your records)
2. Print out of this page showing your Customer ID number

(Certified mail is recommended) Mail to:
RIDGID Service Dept.: LSA
PO Box 1427
Anderson, SC 29622

WHAT’S NEXT?

You will receive an email confirmation when your LSA registration is approved, or if further information is required. You may track the progress of your registration from your dashboard. The process itself can take up to 8 weeks.


I'm going to send in the paperwork and see how that goes. I've used the drill, and like the way it works. If it gets denied, I will definitely be returning them. But they are definitely trying to screw people over. You get no notification that you are denied the LSA, you have to log in to see for yourself. I imagine they count on most people assuming the warranty goes through.