I sent an e-mail yesterday to TigerDirect, asking for a comment about the Assurz Bankruptcy. (See Assurz Folds -- and Customers Are Stuck.)
I received a note from a TigerDirect representative in this morning's in box. It said, in essence, that TigerDirect is taking over any Assurz claims. My sense is that the company was as duped as anyone else. In an e-mail interview, Gilbert Fiorentino, TigerDirect's CEO, said, "instead of saying 'too bad, file a bankruptcy claim,' we decided to make it right." The company said they've spent about $400,000 to resolve outstanding claims.
TigerDirect (which also owns CompUSA) had the Assurz phone number (877/277-8797) routed directly to them. Call the number if you need help getting an Assurz refund. However, if you're having a specific problem that's not been resolved, or you think you're getting the runaround, let me know and I'll forward your issue to someone with clout.
Here are some of the details that the TigerDirect rep gave me. I've edited this slightly for space.
1. When we became aware that Assurz was having difficulties, we immediately refunded the Assurz fee to any TigerDirect or CompUSA customer who purchased an Assurz policy within the preceding 30 days. We explained that they could return their products to us.
2. We obtained the Assurz list of customers whose returns were received, but for whom checks were not yet sent, and issued refunds.
3. As we became aware of checks issued by Assurz to customers that were returned for insufficient funds, we issued refunds.
4. If you purchased an Assurz policy between 31 and 90 days prior to TigerDirect finding out that Assurz was experiencing difficulty, TigerDirect will honor the 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
If you've had an Assurz problem, take a sec and scroll to this BuzzDash poll:
Let me start by saying that Tiger Direct has always been honest and fair! This is not an attack on them, since I purchased almost all the parts of my computer from Tiger Direct!.
I have learned from past experience that service contract are not what we believe them to be. We assume that the contract is backed by the store, but in most cases, they are not. Most service contracts are insured by a self appointed product insurance company. Unlike life or medical insurance, they are almost never bonded and seldom live up to their promise! There is no regulating body that controls them!
My advice is the same as Consumer Reports findings. Do not purchase a service contract! It would be cheaper to wait for the tooth fairy!
Mark Heinemann