Look for free lifetime warranties

By Sharon Harvey Rosenberg - McClatchy Newspapers

Whether or not to buy ex-tended warranties is a hot topic in consumer circles. Here's an even better approach: buy products that come with extended warranties or lifetime service guarantees at no extra charge.

From backpacks to bedding, a variety of stores and manufacturers offer free lifetime guarantees. Here's a sample:

JanSport: Sally Parrott Ashbrook, www.danandsally.com, writes about the JanSport back-pack she purchased in the eighth grade for $50. "Years later, it's still going strong," says Sally, who is in her late 20s. JanSport's Lifetime product guarantee for its back-packs, bags and luggage covers manufacturer defects, but not damage from accidents or normal wear-and-tear. However, the company will repair broken zippers free, regardless of fault.

Lands' End: This product line of clothing, linens and home furnishings comes with a generous return and product guarantee, clearly spelled out on the company Web site: "If you're not satisfied with any item, simply return it to us at any time for an ex-change or refund of its purchase price."

Hammacher Schlemmer: This 160-year-old catalog company backs its products with a generous lifetime warranty in which the company will either replace or re-fund a product. The accepted reasons for product returns include: unwanted gifts, shipping damage, ill-fitting merchandise, wrong color, defects and late arrivals. A company representative said Hammacher Schlemmer will re-place or provide a credit for merchandise — ranging from Turkish bathrobes to electronics — that breaks or wears out.

Tweezerman: The manufacturer will sharpen its tweezers free of charge, including shipping. The service is part of the Tweerzerman's lifetime guarantee. The company will repair or replace items that malfunction because of a manufacturer's defects.

Other companies with lifetime product guarantees, mentioned in a recent issue of Real Simple magazine, include Tiffany & Co. (a guarantee on the appraised value of its diamonds), Zippo (will repair broken lighters), Vermont Teddy Bear (will replace or repair its stuffed bears) and Victorinox Swiss Army, which offers a life-time warranty on its knives, tools and luggage.

Bottom line: Before spending money, research a company's re-turn and warranty policy, usually posted on company websites and in catalogs.