For the first time in my memory, one of my B&R 26" bags needs repair (Air India managed to knock out a part).

Now many years, when I was active in my hobbies of audio and photography, you typically had to pay one-way shipping if sending directly to manufacturer, but if you took the equipment to the dealer where you purchased it, they used to handle it for free. Of course, that also meant you had to have the receipt etc., to prove you bought from them.

So I showed up at my dealer (Chicago area), armed with the purchase receipt and requested them to get it fixed. To my surprise, they showed no interest in "proof of purchase" that I had saved so meticulously for years! Instead, the guy said, "We charge $25 for shipping/handling. No charge from B&R of course."

Wisely or unwisely, I took the offer as I have a trip coming up soon and busy schedule right now. But with my memory of how warranty repairs used to be handled with premium brands and their dealers, it left me uncomfortable.

So, what is the scene these days? What would you expect to actually spend on the free warranty repair?