DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently a reader sought help with an electronic product he had purchased “over three years ago” that was experiencing problems he believed were the result of an inherent defect. You advised him that the extended warranty option offered with many consumer products was perhaps his best bet. Unfortunately, the extended warranty is often merely a device used by many manufacturers and retailers to inflate the cost of a product while providing no protection over that which is already afforded to Maine consumers. 


Maine has a very strong consumer protection law that provides an implied warranty for every consumer product purchased in Maine, arguably including products purchased over the Internet. As long as the product has not been abused, is within its normally expected life and is not used commercially, both the seller and the manufacturer are obligated to remedy any serious defect of any product (except used cars) within four years of its date of purchase.

This implied warranty cannot be waived. Details of this protection may be found at www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/index.shtml. The Maine Attorney General’s office also offers a free service that relies on trained volunteers to attempt mediation in disputes between consumers and businesses. 


I enjoy reading your column and appreciate the assistance you provide. —  David Chittim, Lewiston


DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding your reply to the reader with a defective Xbox, please review the attached Maine Law. As you can see it is the seller, not the buyer, who must make the arrangements for repair or replacement with the manufacturer. It was intended to prevent the sale of inferior products in Maine and to make the buyer whole in case of a defective or poorly manufactured product.


It does not cover misused or damaged products, and the buyer will probably be required to provide proper documentation. I have used it twice without question or cost, and the result was completely satisfactory. It does not exclude electronics, and the general time frame is four years unless otherwise stated. It takes the place of the manufacturer’s warranty, so don’t let anyone tell you that it is no longer under warranty.

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You won’t be told about this law but if you are ever refused for a legitimate claim, report it to the Maine Attorney General. I really hope no one will try to take advantage of this law unfairly because it is a wonderful protection for consumers. — Marilyn, No Town


ANSWER:
Sun Spots is extremely grateful to David and Marilyn for filling in this large gap in her knowledge. Marilyn attached a PDF of the law, which is too long to print here, but Sun Spots will send it to the reader who made the original query. As David pointed out, the Web site is www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/index.shtml.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston Public Library is interested in starting a multi-generational knitting program to provide a fun, relaxed opportunity for local teens to be mentored by “veteran” knitters from the community.


If you are an experienced knitter who is enthusiastic about sharing your skills with the younger generation, on either a one-time or an ongoing basis, or you are a teen who would like to learn to knit, please contact the LPL Reference Desk at 513-3135, or e-mail LPL teen program facilitator Molly Ladd at mladd@lewistonmaine.gov . Thanks! — Cindy Larock, cultural coordinator

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I heard a rumor that they’d started a Rat Fancy magazine but stopped after three issues. Are those three issues available by mail? Any chance of their giving it another go? Not everyone’s online, so I doubt all interested parties were aware. Thanks. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: There was an online story in The Onion in 1997 about a magazine called Rat Fancy failing, but considering the satirical nature of The Onion, it was probably a put-on. There is an American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (www.afrma.org), and they have a single-copy magazine-book called “Rats” available for $13. You can write to AFRMA at 9230 64th St., Riverside, CA 92509-5924. By the way, Sun Spots also learned that a “fancy rat” is a type of domesticated brown rat.


This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.


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