Geek Squad Projector Bulb Replacement

[therealdjnugz]

I bought my Epson 2030 from Best Buy and bought the Geek Squad protection plan for it. I basically bought it due to the fact that it includes one free replacement bulb for projectors. Knowing projector bulbs for the 2030 are $100(which I know is cheap) it seemed worth it between the bulb and protection.
I went to Best Buy to ask them the process of getting the bulb and they told me I had to bring the projector in, they would ship it to Epson, and Epson wouldn't determine if it needed a bulb, and ship it back with or without a new bulb. What a hassle! I told the geek squad employee I could easily switch it out myself. They're made so the owner of a projector can easily replace the bulb.
They gave me a number to call so I could ask if they can just send me the bulb. Has anyone that bought their projector from Best Buy with the protection plan been able to just have them send you the bulb without going through that process? If so, what did you say to convince them to do so? I'd rather just buy a bulb to avoid shipping the projector and not have it for weeks!
Honestly, at this time I don't need a new bulb. I just want a new one so when mine does start to go, I can just replace it with no delay.

[roar]

Originally Posted by therealdjnugz

I bought my Epson 2030 from Best Buy and bought the Geek Squad protection plan for it. I basically bought it due to the fact that it includes one free replacement bulb for projectors. Knowing projector bulbs for the 2030 are $100(which I know is cheap) it seemed worth it between the bulb and protection.
I went to Best Buy to ask them the process of getting the bulb and they told me I had to bring the projector in, they would ship it to Epson, and Epson wouldn't determine if it needed a bulb, and ship it back with or without a new bulb. What a hassle! I told the geek squad employee I could easily switch it out myself. They're made so the owner of a projector can easily replace the bulb.
They gave me a number to call so I could ask if they can just send me the bulb. Has anyone that bought their projector from Best Buy with the protection plan been able to just have them send you the bulb without going through that process? If so, what did you say to convince them to do so? I'd rather just buy a bulb to avoid shipping the projector and not have it for weeks!
Honestly, at this time I don't need a new bulb. I just want a new one so when mine does start to go, I can just replace it with no delay.

I didn't even know Best Buy offered this sort of coverage... I just took a look at their documentation and I'm a little surprised at how vague it is to be honest. It states:

"One bulb replacement for DLP, Projection LCD TVs and Home Theater Projectors of your original bulb during the term of this Plan."

It doesn't say anything about your bulb having to actually need replacement or it being defective. To me it looks like you should be able to get a new bulb whenever you like. It is vague enough however where I think Best Buy can get away with saying they need to send it to have it replaced... I just don't think they can deny the replacement once they take your projector... it needs to come back with a new bulb... I'd wait a little longer to get the most of your replacement.

[therealdjnugz]

Originally Posted by roar

I didn't even know Best Buy offered this sort of coverage... I just took a look at their documentation and I'm a little surprised at how vague it is to be honest. It states:

"One bulb replacement for DLP, Projection LCD TVs and Home Theater Projectors of your original bulb during the term of this Plan."

It doesn't say anything about your bulb having to actually need replacement or it being defective. To me it looks like you should be able to get a new bulb whenever you like. It is vague enough however where I think Best Buy can get away with saying they need to send it to have it replaced... I just don't think they can deny the replacement once they take your projector... it needs to come back with a new bulb... I'd wait a little longer to get the most of your replacement.

Right. I wouldn't replace the bulb until it needed to be replaced. I just want a new bulb before the one I have now starts to go so I can just swap them with no delay. Id rather buy one then send my projector in and wait weeks. My projector is my main viewing source.

[solarrdadd]

you don't have to have it replaced unless it needs to be. just remember when your warranty is about to end, tell them to simply send you the lamp and that will satisfy you and the warranty.

when the warranty of my SXRD was up, that's what i did. that was several years ago and i still have the lamp they sent me. when the time comes, i'll simply replace it myself. they will ship it to you no problem. just don't forget.