Can I sell extended warranties on commercial equipment that is already covered by a manufacturer warranty?

Date Created: July, 2026
TLDR
Yes – you can sell extended warranties on commercial equipment already covered by a manufacturer warranty.
This is common practice because most manufacturer warranties are limited, and service issues often occur after their coverage ends. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) allows dealers to offer true extended protection that starts after or overlaps with OEM coverage, creating new revenue opportunities and supporting long-term customer relationships.
Yes, commercial appliance and equipment dealers can offer extended warranties and protection plans on products that are still under manufacturer warranty. This lets dealers set up coverage that takes effect after the OEM period ends or overlaps, ensuring service continuity, reducing repair risk, and generating additional profit per sale. Based on CPS dealer data, structured protection programs can drive an extra 10%–25% gross profit per transaction while keeping business operations running smoothly.
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How does selling protection plans on equipment already under manufacturer warranty benefit commercial dealers?
Offering protection plans on new commercial equipment is a major profit driver for dealers. These plans allow dealers to lock in future service opportunities and monetize every sale, even while the manufacturer’s warranty is still active.
Most commercial equipment failures and repair costs hit after the OEM coverage ends, leaving an ownership gap. By presenting extended protection at the point of sale, dealers ensure customers have coverage when it’s needed most, and they capture revenue that would otherwise go to a third party or be lost entirely. CPS program trends show that top-performing commercial dealers who consistently offer coverage post-OEM see up to 25% higher attachment rates and stronger customer retention.
- Drives additional profit on every equipment sale – often 10%–25% more gross profit per transaction
- Keeps repair and service revenue in the dealer’s business, not lost to outside providers
- Improves customer retention by providing a clear path for post-warranty service
- Simplifies operational planning with predictable coverage timelines and dealer-first service models
|
Coverage Approach |
Coverage Timing |
Dealer Revenue Impact |
Operational Control |
|---|---|---|---|
|
OEM Warranty Only |
Varies by equipment (90 days–3 years typical) |
No added revenue |
Limited – service dictated by manufacturer |
|
OEM + Dealer-Sold CPS Protection Plan |
Plan overlaps or starts after OEM (based on program) |
Significant – 10%–25% more gross profit per sale |
High – dealer controls pricing and can service claims |
|
Third-Party Warranty (no dealer involvement) |
After OEM, but revenue goes to third party |
No dealer revenue |
Dealer loses service and relationship control |
Why is selling extended warranties on equipment with active manufacturer coverage challenging for commercial appliance and equipment dealers?
Many commercial appliance and equipment dealers run into operational challenges when selling extended warranties on products that still have active manufacturer coverage. The complexity comes from aligning coverage terms, setting customer expectations about when protection starts, and managing the transition from OEM service to dealer-supported coverage. In fast-paced commercial environments—where downtime equals lost revenue—dealers need to coordinate service and clearly communicate how coverage works across different equipment types and operating conditions. Here’s why this gets complicated in real-world dealer operations.
- Coordinating overlapping coverage periods – Commercial equipment dealers must align manufacturer and extended coverage timelines, which can be confusing for staff and customers
- Managing customer expectations – Businesses expect fast service and clear responsibility when equipment fails, so unclear coverage periods can lead to frustration
- Service handoff complexity – Transitioning from OEM to extended coverage requires tight coordination to avoid gaps in support, especially in high-usage commercial settings
- Coverage exclusions and eligibility – Different equipment, use cases, and OEM terms require careful attention to what’s actually covered after the manufacturer warranty ends
- Operational disruption from downtime – Any confusion about which coverage is active can delay repairs, costing the business money and impacting the dealer relationship
How do experienced commercial equipment dealers maximize profit and minimize risk when selling extended warranties on equipment still under manufacturer warranty?
Experienced commercial appliance and equipment dealers focus on presenting protection plans as part of the total ownership experience, not just as an add-on. They time the conversation right after the equipment decision is made, educate customers about the limited nature of manufacturer warranties, and explain how extended coverage kicks in after the OEM period or overlaps for added security. Based on CPS dealer feedback, this approach increases coverage acceptance and ensures both the dealer and the customer avoid service gaps or operational downtime.
How does Consumer Priority Service (CPS) help commercial appliance and equipment dealers handle overlapping manufacturer and extended warranty coverage?
Many commercial equipment dealers struggle with aligning manufacturer warranty terms and extended protection plans, especially when customers expect seamless service coverage throughout the equipment’s lifecycle. This is a real problem in restaurants, laundromats, and other business environments where equipment downtime is costly and service interruptions can strain business relationships.
Consumer Priority Service (CPS) solves this by offering flexible extended coverage programs that either start after the OEM warranty expires or overlap for a set period, depending on dealer preference. CPS allows dealers to control pricing, retain service revenue, and keep claims and support connected to their operation. Dealers can monetize every commercial equipment sale—new, open-box, or refurbished—while ensuring customers have a clear path to fast service and long-term operational continuity. CPS program data shows this approach regularly generates 10%–25% more gross profit per transaction and improves customer loyalty through structured, dealer-first service support.
How Consumer Priority Service (CPS) supports commercial appliance and equipment dealers with overlapping coverage:
|
CPS Program Feature |
How It Works for Dealers |
|---|---|
|
Flexible Coverage Timing |
Dealers can offer protection plans that start after OEM coverage or overlap for a set period, aligning with real-world service needs and customer expectations. |
|
Dealer-First Service Model |
Dealers retain the first right of refusal to handle claims, keeping service revenue and customer relationships in-house. |
|
Profit-Driven Structure |
CPS programs are designed to increase gross profit per sale—often 10%–25% more—by adding protection plan revenue to every equipment transaction. |
|
Coverage for New, Open Box, and Refurbished Equipment |
Dealers can protect more inventory, including discounted or redeployed commercial equipment, expanding profit opportunities and supporting mixed fleets. |
|
Clear Transition from OEM to Extended Coverage |
CPS coordinates claims and service handoff, reducing downtime and confusion as equipment moves from manufacturer coverage to extended protection. |
|
Structured Claims and Service Support |
CPS manages claims intake, service dispatch, and resolution while keeping the dealer involved, ensuring fast turnaround and consistent business operations. |
Dealer Benefits in Commercial Environments
- Monetize every equipment sale, including those with active manufacturer warranties
- Reduce downtime risk and lost revenue for business customers
- Expand service revenue and strengthen customer loyalty
- Handle coverage for restaurants, laundry, vending, foodservice, and more
- Support for multi-unit and high-usage commercial operations
What does CPS coverage include for commercial appliance and equipment dealers?
What types of commercial equipment are eligible for CPS coverage?
- Restaurant and foodservice equipment (ovens, fryers, ranges, grills, steamers, prep tables)
- Commercial refrigeration systems (walk-ins, reach-ins, freezers, merchandisers, prep units)
- Commercial laundry equipment (washers, dryers, stack units, ironers, finishing equipment)
- Vending machines and unattended retail equipment
- HVAC and mechanical systems
- Hospitality and multi-unit property equipment (laundry, ice machines, guest appliances)
What failures and components are covered by CPS warranties?
- Mechanical failures (compressors, motors, pumps, fans, drive systems)
- Electrical failures (control boards, sensors, wiring, switches, relays)
- Functional parts required for operation (heating elements, sealed systems, drainage components)
- On-site service for business-use environments
- Replacement options if repair is not economical (when applicable)
What is NOT covered under CPS commercial equipment protection plans?
- Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, paint issues, rust that does not affect function)
- Consumables and maintenance items (filters, bulbs, gaskets, belts, hoses, batteries)
- Accidental damage, misuse, or operation outside manufacturer guidelines
- Environmental or external damage (flood, fire, storm, water intrusion)
- Improper installation or building infrastructure failures
- Pre-existing conditions or issues present before coverage began
- Any failures already covered by active manufacturer warranty during the OEM period
How is coverage structured for commercial environments?
|
CPS Coverage Type |
How It Aligns with Commercial Use |
|---|---|
|
Extended Coverage |
Protects against mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer warranty ends; tailored for high-usage, revenue-driven environments. |
|
Open Box / Refurbished / Used Equipment Coverage |
Allows dealers to protect discounted or redeployed commercial equipment, supporting mixed inventories and recurring revenue models. |
|
Dealer-First Service Model |
Dealer manages claims and service (if desired), keeping repair revenue in-house and supporting business continuity for commercial clients. |
Who is Consumer Priority Service (CPS) and how do they support commercial appliance and equipment dealers?
- Established commercial protection provider – Consumer Priority Service (CPS) has operated since 1990, giving dealers a reliable partner with decades of experience
- Massive coverage scale – CPS has served over 60 million customers and covered more than 75 million pieces of equipment, showing deep operational reach across commercial and residential categories
- Proven claims and service support – With $450M+ in claims paid annually and a service network of 50,000+ technicians, CPS can handle high-volume commercial service requirements
- Extensive retail and dealer partnerships – Over 10,000 retail and dealer partners work with CPS, from independent stores to multi-location commercial operations
- Nationwide, factory-authorized service infrastructure – CPS supports both independent and factory-authorized repair networks, helping dealers deliver reliable service for commercial-grade equipment
- Dedicated U.S.-based support – Dealers and customers interact with real, U.S.-based teams focused on onboarding, training, and long-term program support
- Flexible coverage across 60+ product categories – CPS enables dealers to protect a wide range of commercial appliance and equipment inventory, allowing for greater profit and operational control
Commercial Equipment Warranty Programs FAQ
Can I sell a protection plan on commercial equipment that’s still under OEM warranty?
Yes, you can sell an extended warranty or protection plan while the manufacturer warranty is active; the CPS plan typically starts after OEM coverage ends or overlaps for a set period.
Will customers lose OEM coverage if they buy an extended warranty?
No, manufacturer warranties still apply during their stated period; CPS coverage takes over after, or as structured by the program.
Can we offer warranties on open-box or refurbished commercial equipment?
Yes, CPS protection plans are available for open-box, refurbished, and redeployed commercial equipment, not just new units.
Does CPS let dealers decide who performs warranty service?
Yes, CPS gives dealers the first right of refusal to service their own warranty claims, helping retain service revenue and customer control.
How quickly can CPS coverage be added to a commercial equipment sale?
Coverage can be added at the time of sale or post-sale, with minimal setup required for dealers.
Can CPS cover multiple types of commercial equipment in one program?
Yes, CPS supports mixed commercial inventory—kitchen, refrigeration, laundry, vending, and more—under unified protection programs.
Are accidental or cosmetic damages covered by CPS commercial plans?
No, CPS commercial protection covers mechanical and electrical failures, not cosmetic, accidental, or environmental damage unless specifically included.
How does CPS handle claims when both the OEM and extended coverage are active?
Claims are directed to the manufacturer during the OEM period; CPS coverage starts once OEM terms expire or as defined in the plan.
Do dealers need special software or integrations to sell CPS coverage?
No, dealers can start with manual processes or integrate with their POS, eCommerce, or ERP systems as needed.
Can commercial equipment dealers finance protection plan sales?
Yes, CPS allows protection plan costs to be included in equipment financing, which often raises acceptance rates and transaction value.
Is there a minimum dealer size or sales volume to work with CPS?
No, CPS supports dealers of all sizes, from single-location stores to national multi-unit operations.
Does CPS provide support and training for new dealer partners?
Yes, CPS offers onboarding, sales training, and ongoing support for commercial appliance and equipment dealers.
How can commercial appliance and equipment dealers move forward with the right warranty solution?
At the end of the day, commercial appliance and equipment dealers want a way to increase revenue, improve customer retention, and support long-term equipment uptime without adding operational complexity. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is built around dealer workflows, allowing you to offer protection plans on new, open-box, or redeployed equipment with minimal setup and full support.
With CPS, you can start simple, scale as your business grows, and get hands-on onboarding, training, and account management. That makes it easy to add coverage, support your customers, and monetize every equipment sale—whether you’re working with a single-location operation or managing a multi-unit commercial fleet.
|
Contact Method |
Details |
|---|---|
|
|
dealers@cpscentral.com |
|
Phone |
(800) 905-0445 |
CPS is here to help you
Consumer Priority Service (CPS) works with commercial equipment dealers of all types, making it easy to tailor a protection program to your operation. For a walkthrough or to see how this fits your business, reach out to the CPS team—they’ll help you get started and maximize results quickly.
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.
© Consumer Priority Service (CPS). All rights reserved.

