For most of us, our expectations remain somewhat higher than the reality of cheaply manufactured goods, and it’s bitterly disappointing when a product fails or, in this case, fades long before its expected time. We’d also hope, if not expect, that a few days here or there on a warranty wouldn’t matter.
Another reader recently wrote in about a year-old appliance that failed just a couple of days past warranty and was told she’d have to cover the costs herself. Companies hold to those lines with rare exceptions to avoid turning them into moving targets.
Target wasn’t too sympathetic on this one. Like most retailers, when it comes to product problems that happen over the course of use, they punt to the manufacturer to handle any complaints. And that’s just what Target did this time after many requests to respond:
“This is not a product line we still carry at Target,’’ spokeswoman Laura Conlon said. “We recommend the reader contact the manufacturer directly for any questions/concerns.’’
It’s not an unreasonable position for Target to take, but it doesn’t do much in the way of sending a message that Target stands behind products made for its stores. It would have been nice if the store offered something more, if not dishes, at least a hint of understanding about why it’s not acceptable to have plates that wash out in a year.
