This doesn't affect me, at least not now, but I was curious so I went looking for an online version of the warranty. I didn't do a word for word comparison but it looks like the Warranty language BeGreen posted is the same as what I saw. So the Warranty itself does not seem to disclaim coverage if the stove was sold "by mail" or over the internet.
However, Elk is getting at an important practical point that I have seen discussed in several threads. The person that buys the stove over the internet does run the risk of getting caught in a pointing contest between the selling Dealer and the Mfr. And you can't simply go to your local dealer and expect them to fix any problems --as an agent of the Mfr-- where you circumvented them to save a buck and they haven't made any money on the deal.
Further below are a couple of Pacific Energy web links. The first link explicitly states that their dealers are prohibited from selling over the internet. What's really interesting is that they also say "Many manufacturers will not register, authorize service, nor honor the warranty of a product that has been purchased outside of their trained dealer base, as installation and use cannot be determined." But they do not specifically say that this is
their policy. Nevertheless, it's pretty strongly implied that you'll be left in limbo if you have a problem.
Having skimmed through Hearthnet member reviews of stoves, I have even seen this scenario played out with buyers that have bought from local dealers who have abandoned the buyer once a problem becomes too labor intensive.
So, is there a Warranty despite the a stove being sold over the internet? Probably. Is it enforceable? Maybe...if you have the time, energy and inclination. As a practical matter you risk getting caught in the middle of what really seems to be a contractual dispute between the Mfr and the dealer. Having said that, if the savings are great enough and/or you are buying from a reputable dealer you trust to make things right, it might be worth it. Especially if you are handy or mechanically inclined and you are more concerned about coverage for parts than labor.
It is worth emphasizing that Pacific Energy seems to concede, by implication, that while it is rare that some "on-line dealers ... offer technical support or service for the products they sell." Something to keep in mind regarding any Hearthnet Members that are Pacific Energy dealers and that sell over the internet.
LINKS
Pacific Energy On-line Sales Policy
http://www.pacificenergy.net/online_sales.php EXCERPT Beware of on-line deals on fireplaces and wood stoves. The following are facts that on-line vendors of fireplaces and stoves don’t want you to know. … On-line dealers rarely offer technical support or service for the products they sell. They will try to deflect you to the manufacturer for technical support or warranty work. Many manufacturers will not register, authorize service, nor honor the warranty of a product that has been purchased outside of their trained dealer base, as installation and use cannot be determined. …No Pacific Energy dealer is authorized to sell you product via the web, or to ship you their product outside of their respective selling region. This ensures that you have on-going access to trained technical support.
Contact Us – Support
http://www.pacificenergy.net/techsupport.php EXCERPT: Pacific Energy - Service/Technical Support Important: Step 1) Look through our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. Many questions and procedures for resolving problems will be answered there. Step 2) Your Pacific Energy Retailer is the best choice for service or warranty questions. Step 3) If you have already contacted your Dealer and still would like to talk to us please use the form below. You can call us toll free at 1-888-223-0088
~Cath