Chacham's Journal: Chronicle: Bought an S5 and Glass

[This is a modified version of an email i sent. I'm too lazy to linky it up properly. Does anyone really care?]

I bought a used S5 off ebay for $241.50: "This phone was brought in December 2014 from T-mobile, it will come with the phone, original box, charger and case. If I can find the the head phones I will include them also. No scratches are on the phone and it is not unlocked, THIS IS A T-MOBILE PHONE" (I spoke with the guy via ebay's communication system and made sure it had everything, and he guaranteed he would take it back if there was anything didn't work right, including unlocking and the like.) So, it comes with a case. I then purchased a broken Zagg InvisibleShield Glass screen protector for $4.99 which seems to retail on Amazon for a little over $20 (with shipping.) Why broken? I'm glad you asked. It comes with a lifetime warranty, as the ebay auction stated. So, i sent an email to Zagg:

I'll just ask it directly.

If i purchase a broken invisible shield/glass, am i able to use the warranty to replace it?

For example, here's one on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZAGG-invisibleSHIELD-GLASS-Samsung-Galaxy-S5-Screen-Protector-BROKEN-P74-/281699082921

I feel at least a little embarrassed about asking this, but as it costs about 25% of the full price, i just have to ask.

The reply was a standard reply completely ignoring my question but giving me the (easily findable) link to replace it. So, i bought it on ebay (delivery by this Friday), registered it, and started to fill out the replacement request, as they will put a hold on your card until they receive the replacement. But, the shipping and handling costs $5.99. Though still a good deal, that's just them covering the cost of their own product, as a google search theorized (because the shipping label shows the amount which, iirc, is $1.20) and suggested complaining:

I am trying to take advantage of warranty replacement for your excellent product (Samsung Galaxy S5 Glass), but shipping is $5.99! Isn't that a little expensive? The product is shippable for much less than that. Is there a way to knock down that cost to something more reasonable?

Well, another, possibly (mostly) standard email came this morning, including:

In regards to your email the shipping rates are generated by USPS and are fees that we in turn charge the customer as the shipping is not part of the warranty since we cover the full cost of the item. As a courtesy I have included a shipping code [redacted] that will waive your shipping as a courtesy. Please shipping is required for next time. Thank you again.

I would say that i feel evil and dirty, but i did the same thing last week. I ordered a book on ebay and "upgraded" it for $4.95 to get the ebook. (They allow you to register the book with no proof. Many people have noted this. I will buy the book first, but i don't mind buying a used one off ebay.) I haven't even received the book yet but am already in middle of chapter 1. The ebook book makes it easier to type in examples. (An essential practice for learning a computer language.) On second thought, maybe i do feel evil.

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I ordered the replacement. I feel i must now do what i'm sure Zagg wants me to do, that is, tell everyone what a wonderful company they are. Their reputation already does that, but i don't mind screaming into a dark, possibly empty, room.