eBay electrical goods now come with a warranty

Consumers concerned about buying electrical goods on eBay can now receive extra peace of mind from warranties which are being offered - though they won't protect them from fraud.

In a note to users earlier this week, the popular auction site announced that it has teamed up with warranty provider New Customer Services to offer protection for new and used electronics products. The warranty, which kicks in 30 days after a product is purchased on eBay, covers parts and labour costs and offers to replace products that require multiple repairs.

Danny Hourigan, president of New Customer Services' division of services plans, said: "We expect the program to help give buyers more assurance when buying on eBay."

eBay representatives did not return calls seeking comment about the warranty program.

eBay has targeted computing and electronics products as one of its key areas for growth as it tries to reach its goal of $3bn in revenue by 2005. Already the company has attracted such electronics giants as IBM, Motorola and Sun Microsystems to offer used and refurbished goods through its site.

But with their typically high sale prices, electronics and computing auctions have also proven to be a popular place for fraud. Some unscrupulous sellers have offered products they had no intention of selling and made off with the money of trusting eBay buyers.

However, the new warranty program will not cover cases of fraud or misrepresentation, eBay said in a list of frequently asked questions on its site. Nor does the warranty cover inoperable products, the company said.

"A warranty is intended to provide coverage and protection for a product that is in full working order," eBay said on the FAQ. "If you experience seller misrepresentation or fraud, please consult the eBay Rules & Safety section on how to resolve your issue."

Troy Wolverton writes for News.com