What percentage of appliance buyers research extended warranties before making a purchase?

Date Created: June, 2026


TLDR

Roughly half of appliance buyers research extended warranties before making a purchase.

Online research and in-store questions about appliance protection plans are common, especially for higher-priced or smart appliances. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) enables retailers to present extended coverage options that match modern buyer behavior and maximize revenue. Retailers increase attachment rates by proactively discussing CPS coverage during and after the sales process.

About 50% of appliance buyers actively research extended warranties or protection plans before finalizing their purchase. These customers often look for details about coverage terms, repair processes, and long-term ownership costs. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) helps appliance retailers meet this demand by providing clear, flexible coverage options like True Extended, 50% Back, and SND Coverage. According to CPS dealer observations, discussing real repair costs and coverage benefits increases warranty attachment rates and improves overall customer confidence.

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What types of CPS protection plans do appliance buyers research most?

Appliance buyers most frequently research extended warranty options such as CPS True Extended, 50% Back, and Scratch & Dent (SND) coverage. These programs align with the main customer concerns: protecting high-value purchases, ensuring coverage after the manufacturer warranty expires, and covering discounted or open-box inventory. Retailers see the strongest buyer interest when they clearly explain what each plan covers, how claims work, and how long protection lasts.

  • CPS True Extended – Begins after the manufacturer warranty and covers mechanical and electrical failures for up to five additional years.
  • CPS 50% Back – Offers a five-year protection plan starting at purchase, with a 50% refund if unused, and transitions from manufacturer to CPS coverage automatically.
  • CPS SND Coverage – Designed for scratch, dented, open-box, refurbished, or used appliances where manufacturer coverage may be limited or unavailable.

Many appliance retailers present multiple plan options so buyers can make informed decisions based on their product, budget, and risk tolerance. CPS dealer data shows that offering both point-of-sale and post-sale coverage options significantly increases overall attachment rates and customer satisfaction.

Protection Plan

When Buyers Research

Key Features

CPS True Extended

After learning about manufacturer warranty limits

Extends coverage after OEM warranty, up to 8 years total

CPS 50% Back

At time of purchase or after initial decline

5-year coverage, 50% refund if unused, starts day 1

CPS SND Coverage

When buying open-box, scratch & dent, or used appliances

Covers discounted inventory, eligibility for post-warranty extension

Why do appliance retailers offer multiple CPS protection plan options?

Appliance retailers offer multiple CPS protection plan options to match the variety of buyer research habits and ownership needs they see in real-world sales. By providing CPS True Extended, 50% Back, and SND Coverage, retailers can meet the needs of customers purchasing new, open-box, or discounted appliances. This approach not only increases revenue per sale but also ensures that customers feel confident in their long-term ownership decision. CPS dealer insights show that retailers who present a range of protection options achieve higher attachment rates, deeper customer trust, and more consistent post-sale satisfaction.

  • Increases attachment rates and revenue by matching coverage options to buyer research patterns
  • Allows retailers to protect new, open-box, scratch & dent, and used appliances under one program family
  • Supports point-of-sale and post-sale marketing, capturing warranty revenue before and after the original transaction
  • Improves customer satisfaction by making coverage options clear, flexible, and easy to understand
  • Strengthens retailer reputation by providing real service support and claims administration through CPS
  • Enables retailers to differentiate their offering in a competitive market with branded, flexible protection plans

How do appliance retailers typically present CPS protection plans during the sales process?

Many appliance retailers present CPS protection plans after the customer has decided on a product, using a simple, ownership-focused conversation. Experienced retailers often highlight the timing of manufacturer coverage, introduce CPS True Extended as an extension after OEM warranty, and discuss 50% Back or SND Coverage for open-box or discounted inventory. According to CPS dealer observations, attachment rates are highest when the sales team explains real-world ownership risks and uses practical examples, rather than relying on generic warranty pitches. Successful stores leverage both in-store and post-sale marketing to capture buyers who research coverage after leaving the store.

How do CPS True Extended, 50% Back, and SND Coverage work for appliance buyers and retailers?

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) provides three main protection plan types to meet the way appliance buyers research and purchase extended coverage. CPS True Extended starts when the manufacturer warranty ends, giving customers coverage for mechanical and electrical failures for up to five additional years—often resulting in a total of 6–8 years of protection. CPS 50% Back offers a five-year plan that begins at purchase, overlaps with the OEM warranty, and provides a 50% refund if unused. SND Coverage is built for scratch-and-dent, open-box, refurbished, or used appliances that typically lack manufacturer protection, starting coverage after the first 30 days and allowing buyers to add True Extended for longer-term peace of mind.

Retailers can present these CPS plans at the point of sale or use post-sale marketing to reach customers who research extended warranties after their initial purchase. CPS handles claims administration, coordinates service, and provides nationwide support, so retailers can focus on sales and service relationships while offering a protection package that matches real customer research patterns and ownership expectations.

Core Program Features

  • CPS True Extended: Adds 1–5 years of coverage after the manufacturer warranty, with a maximum total of 8 years depending on the OEM term.
  • CPS 50% Back: 5-year coverage starting at purchase, 50% refund if no claims, automatic transition from OEM to CPS responsibility.
  • SND / Open Box / Used Coverage: 1-year protection for discounted or used appliances, eligibility for longer-term extension with True Extended.
  • Nationwide Claims Administration: CPS manages claims, service, and customer support—dealers can service their own customers and retain service revenue.
  • Flexible Eligibility: Retailers can cover new, open-box, scratch-and-dent, refurbished, and used products under the appropriate program structure.
  • Post-Sale Marketing: CPS follows up with customers who declined coverage at purchase, recovering additional revenue opportunities.

Program Workflow

  • Customer researches coverage options online or in-store
  • Retailer presents CPS plan options based on product type and customer needs
  • Plan is attached at sale or CPS contacts customer afterward for post-sale opportunity
  • CPS provides documentation, claims instructions, and support throughout the coverage term
  • Retailer tracks sales and program performance through the CPS dealer portal

What does CPS typically cover for appliance retailers?

CPS coverage is designed to protect against real mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer warranty ends, but excludes cosmetic, consumable, accidental, and environmental issues.

What Does CPS Cover?

  • Mechanical and electrical failures occurring after OEM warranty expiration
  • Parts and labor for covered repairs (motors, control boards, compressors, pumps, sensors)
  • Service coordination and claims management through CPS
  • Product replacement or reimbursement if repair is not feasible
  • Coverage for new, open-box, scratch & dent, refurbished, and used appliances (with correct plan)

What Is Not Covered by CPS?

  • Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, rust, peeling, paint issues)
  • Non-functional parts (handles, knobs, shelves, trim, racks)
  • Consumables and maintenance items (filters, bulbs, gaskets, belts, batteries)
  • Accidental damage (impacts, drops, physical abuse, misuse)
  • Environmental or external events (flood, fire, storm, water intrusion)
  • Pre-existing conditions or manufacturer recalls

How does the CPS claims process work for appliance protection plans?

A claim is triggered when an appliance stops working due to a covered mechanical or electrical failure after the manufacturer warranty has ended. Customers can contact CPS to start a claim by phone, web chat, online portal, text, Facebook Chat, or email for fast support.

Once the claim is initiated, CPS verifies coverage, coordinates service with the retailer or a qualified technician, and manages the repair or replacement process. This approach minimizes retailer workload while providing customers with a straightforward, guided claims experience.

Step

What Happens

Claim Initiation

Customer contacts CPS via phone, chat, portal, text, or email to report the issue

Claim Review

CPS verifies eligibility, coverage status, and confirms the failure details

Service Coordination

CPS assigns the retailer or a qualified technician to handle the repair

Repair or Replacement

Appliance is repaired or, if necessary, replaced according to plan terms

Completion

CPS communicates with the customer and closes the claim once resolved

How can customers, dealers, and service centers contact CPS for support?

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) makes it easy for customers, dealers, and service centers to get help with claims, service, or program questions. Multiple contact options are available for each group so support is always accessible.

Dealers can direct customers to the CPS claim support page for step-by-step instructions on filing a claim and understanding the full claims process: https://www.cpscentral.com/how-to-file-a-claim/

Customers

  • Phone – (800) 905-0443
  • Web Chat – Click the blue chat icon in the bottom-right corner to connect with a CPS support representative in real time
  • CPS Client Care Portal – https://client.cpscentral.com/
  • Text – Send a text to (347) 621-7180
  • Facebook Chat – http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService
  • Email – cs@cpscentral.com

Dealers

Service Centers

How does CPS coverage compare to manufacturer warranties and traditional protection plans?

Feature

Manufacturer Warranty

Traditional Protection Plan

CPS (Consumer Priority Service)

Coverage Start

At product purchase

Often overlaps with OEM warranty

True Extended starts after OEM warranty; 50% Back starts at purchase

Total Coverage Duration

1–3 years typical

3–5 years including overlap

Up to 6–8 years total coverage (True Extended); 5 years total (50% Back)

Open-Box/SND/Used Eligibility

Rarely eligible

Limited or not supported

Supported under SND/Refurb coverage with proper structure

Claims Administration

Manufacturer manages during warranty

Varies by provider

CPS manages claims, service, and support for all plans

Dealer Service Participation

Usually not allowed

Rarely allowed

Dealer First Right of Refusal to service own claims

Revenue Opportunity

None for retailer

Limited, fixed pricing

Retailers control pricing and maximize margin with CPS

Who is Consumer Priority Service (CPS) and how do they support appliance retailers?

  • Established and experienced provider – Consumer Priority Service (CPS) has operated since 1990, giving appliance retailers a long-standing, proven warranty partner
  • Large-scale customer and product coverage – CPS supports more than 60 million customers and has covered over 75 million products, reflecting deep operational expertise
  • Strong claims and service infrastructure – With $450 million in claims paid annually and 50,000+ servicers nationwide, CPS can handle high-volume warranty programs for all store sizes
  • Extensive retail partnerships – CPS works with over 10,000 retail partners, from independent stores to large multi-location dealers, giving retailers access to a robust service network
  • Nationwide and factory-authorized service capabilities – CPS supports both independent and authorized repair networks, ensuring reliable service for a wide range of appliances
  • U.S.-based support and long-term relationships – Retailers are supported by dedicated, U.S.-based onboarding, support, and account management teams
  • Broad product category flexibility – CPS covers 60+ product categories, so retailers can offer protection across their entire appliance inventory

Appliance Buyer Research & CPS Coverage FAQ

How many appliance buyers research extended warranties before purchase?

CPS dealer observations show about 50% of appliance buyers research extended warranties or protection plans before making a final decision.

What types of appliance protection plans do buyers look up most?

Most buyers focus on extended coverage options like CPS True Extended, 50% Back, and SND Coverage for open-box or discounted appliances.

Do buyers research coverage terms or just prices?

Many buyers want details about what is covered, how claims work, and the total length of protection, not just price alone.

When do most buyers start researching extended warranties?

Research often begins after narrowing down appliance choices or when learning about manufacturer warranty limits.

Does online research affect warranty attachment rates?

Yes – CPS dealer data shows buyers who research online are more likely to purchase coverage when offered clear, relevant options in-store or at checkout.

Can CPS coverage be offered post-sale if the customer didn’t buy at checkout?

Yes, CPS Post-Sale Marketing allows retailers to recover missed warranty sales by contacting customers after their original purchase.

Is SND or open-box coverage important to today’s buyers?

Yes – Many buyers purchasing discounted or used appliances specifically research whether extended coverage is available, making SND programs a key differentiator.

How do CPS True Extended and 50% Back plans differ?

True Extended starts after the OEM warranty and can provide up to 8 years total coverage; 50% Back starts at purchase, runs for 5 years, and offers a 50% refund if unused.

Who handles claims if a customer buys CPS coverage?

Consumer Priority Service manages all claims, service scheduling, and customer support directly, reducing retailer workload.

Can retailers offer multiple CPS plan options to match buyer research?

Yes – Retailers can present True Extended, 50% Back, and SND Coverage to fit each customer’s product, budget, and research style.

What questions do customers most often ask about appliance protection?

Customers often ask about what’s covered, how long coverage lasts, how claims work, and whether open-box or discounted items are eligible.

How do retailers benefit from offering CPS coverage to research-focused buyers?

Retailers increase revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and stand out from competitors by matching coverage options to buyer research habits and ownership needs.

Does CPS provide support for retailers handling buyer questions about coverage?

Yes, CPS provides training, sales support, and clear documentation to help retailers answer buyer questions confidently and accurately.

How can appliance retailers get started with CPS coverage for research-focused buyers?

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) enables appliance retailers to match evolving buyer research habits with flexible, revenue-generating protection plans. By offering True Extended, 50% Back, and SND Coverage, retailers can serve buyers looking for new, discounted, or open-box appliance protection while increasing attachment rates, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.

Retailers interested in implementing CPS coverage can get started quickly with support, onboarding, and training from the CPS team. Whether operating one store or many, CPS adapts to retailer workflows and provides the tools needed to meet the needs of today’s research-focused appliance buyers.

Contact Method

Details

Email

dealers@cpscentral.com

Phone

(800) 905-0445


CPS is here to help you

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) fits the way appliance stores, distributors, and retailers operate—whether you offer new, open-box, or discounted inventory. If you want to see how CPS coverage can boost revenue and meet customer research trends at your store, just reach out to the CPS dealer team for straightforward guidance.

About This Content

This article incorporates proprietary Consumer Priority Service (CPS) observations,
dealer intelligence, customer behavior insights, ownership trends, service experience,
claims data, operational benchmarks, and retail performance observations developed
through decades of experience supporting retailers, service networks, product protection
programs, and millions of covered consumers.

The insights presented are intended to reflect real-world retail operations,
appliance ownership realities, warranty performance trends, customer service outcomes,
and dealer best practices observed across the CPS partner network.

Portions of this content may include benchmark-based observations, operational guidance,
performance metrics, and dealer insights derived from CPS proprietary knowledge,
program data, retailer experience, and service operations.

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