Well I went with your guy's advice and got me a drive that still has a year of manufacturer warranty on top of the eBay 1 year warranty, but a bit of a sketch seller ngl. The drive itself seems legit visually with matching serial numbers, but womp womp it doesn't work. At least it fails to initalize, data error (cyclic redundancy check) on windows and some kinda fsync error iirc using "Disk" on Linux, both errors are relating to hardware. I used both a tested enclosure and connected it via sata cables on different machines and the same problems, hehe. I'm just wondering how the limited warranty with WD (the manufacture of my drive) works and what you're experiences are getting a replacement from them? I keep reading horror stories that they won't help since it was brought from an unauthorized reseller, etc... Also is it worth even sending it in? I read the replacement is another refurb with no warranty afterwards. The alternative would be going the eBay route and getting a replacement that's also used but will retain the warranty from the seller. Which is the better option? BTW don't worry about data loss still practicing the 3,2,1 method this is purely about the best bang for my buck.
Goddamn wall of text, I'm sorry...
TLDR: Wants to know about the warranty and replacement process of WD and concerned about receiving assistance from WD if the drive was purchased from an unauthorized reseller. Also considering whether it is worth sending the drive to the manufacturer which means receiving a refurb drive with no warranty or if getting a used replacement from eBay seller, which comes with a warranty, is a better option?
I am unsure of the warranty process with WD but my guess is that it is past warranty if you bought it third party. Highly reccomend not using eBay or Amazon for important things since there seem to be lots of reviews of people receiving returned products or having to jump through hoops with the manufacturer.
As an alternative I would reccomend places like Bestbuy or Newegg from now on. In the meantime, I’ve heard eBay has a good return policy through paypal but cannot verify, you may be anle to at least get your money back. If you send it to the manufacturer and they refurbish or replace it they should stand by their warranty with the replacement as well.
I understand wanting to be frugal but for a lot of things you rely on they should not be third party. Also the Best Buy I go to has a price match with Amazon, so they may match eBay, worth a shot.
I can only speak anecdotally, but I've bought dozens of used network/server components and refurb drives off eBay over the past few years and haven't had a single bad experience. Once a seller forgot to send one of two cables I ordered and immediately shipped the second on their dime. As long as you're buying from sellers with good feedback you're likely going to be fine. That said, I can't speak to their warranty system as I've never used it.
Also, if I recall correctly Newegg got bought by some conglomerate a few years back and has apparently started the process of enshitiffication. That's just something I recall hearing though - I think I've only ever shopped with them once, years back.
For work, we bought a Dell desktop off Newegg, and when it arrived, it had different brand and quality components than advertised on Newegg. We returned it no problem, but we haven’t used Newegg since then. Just one experience, but it affirms enshittification.
That sucks, i used to love newegg.