At Stellar Scientific, we believe in empowering our customers with the right information. One common concern we hear is whether using non-brand consumables (like our PCR plates) will void equipment warranties.
This fear is often fueled by manufacturers who suggest that only their consumables should be used, or else you risk voiding your equipment warranty.
Let's clear up this misconception with the help of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975.
What is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that governs warranties on consumer products, designed to protect consumers from misleading practices and ensure warranties are clear and enforceable.
Key Points of the Act
- Prohibition of "Tie-In Sales" Provisions:
Manufacturers cannot condition a warranty on the consumer's use of a specific brand of consumable unless that consumable is provided for free.
- Consumer Rights:
Consumers have the right to use third-party consumables without voiding their warranty, as long as these third-party products do not cause damage to the product.
Some Well Known Examples
- Printer Cartridges:
We've all see this one. Printer manufacturers cannot void the warranty of a printer if a consumer uses third-party ink cartridges, unless they provide their branded cartridges for free or can prove that the third-party cartridges caused damage.
- Automotive Parts:
Here's another situation seen frequently. Car manufacturers cannot void the warranty of a vehicle if the owner uses aftermarket parts or consumables (like oil or filters), provided these parts meet the necessary specifications and do not cause damage.
Addressing Your Concerns
We understand that you might be worried about using our PCR plates and other consumables, fearing it will void your equipment warranty based on conversations with your rep. The PCR plates we sell are comparable to or better than those sold by most equipment manufacturers.
A manufacturer of the equipment cannot require you to buy consumables from them. That is a violation of American law.
Particularly REEBO PCR plates, qPCR plates, rigid frame qPCR plates and strip tubes are made in the USA and therefore fill the legal requirements of the Buy American Act which states that government agencies and funded entities need to buy American products when available.
Competitor Tactics
It has been reported to us that some equipment reps train their sales reps to verbally warn customers against using non-brand consumables, even though the firm would never put this in writing due to legal ramifications.
With this fear tactic in place, manufacturers can raise their prices on necessary consumables, leaving you at their mercy. This is where the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act comes in to protect your rights; allowing you to buy from resources like Stellar Scientific.
Conclusion
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the primary U.S. law that prohibits manufacturers from requiring the use of specific consumables to maintain warranty coverage. It ensures your right to use third-party products without voiding warranties.
If you are unsure, please do your own Google research on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (1975) to understand your legal rights.
Final Thoughts
At Stellar Scientific, we're committed to providing you with not only high-quality products but also the information you need to make informed decisions. Don't be misled by scare tactics—know your rights and choose the best consumables for your needs and budget.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime for more information or to discuss how our products can benefit your operations without compromising your equipment warranties.
Important Considerations
While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to use third-party consumables, it's important to note that it does not protect against damage caused by those consumables. If a third-party product causes damage, the manufacturer may refuse warranty coverage for that specific damage. Ask us for information on how our consumables perform in your equipment and check our specs against your equipment manufacturer specs.