What To Do When Your Xbox 360 Warranty Has Expired

By Christian Miller

Once you realize your Xbox is out of commission, you quickly consider your repair options. You can ship it off to Microsoft for repairs, but you'll pay as much as $150 + shipping costs if your 3-year RROD warranty has expired. You'll also wait a good six weeks before getting your precious Xbox 360 back, which is most likely out of the question for a true Xbox gamer. So what next? Well, go with what you know. You want the repair done fast, and you don't want to pay and arm and a leg for it.

If you decide that the Microsoft repair option is not for you, then you need to look for a reputable Xbox 360 repair shop in your area. The trouble is, everyone and their sister claims to be a proven game console repair expert, and the wrong shop can really muck things up for you. To keep you and your game system out of trouble, take note of the following points, which should help you find a reliable Xbox repair facility.

Your main objective is to find a trusted Xbox repair shop nearby so that you can get your game console back up and running as soon as possible. Some vetting is necessary, as there are bad game unit repair foks everywhere. Choosing the wrong repair service will not only waste money, but will add time to your situation. Remember, you're after a quick and affordable fix here.

Finding a good repair shop isn't impossible, it just takes some planning. Check out high traffic and trusted websites and discussion boards that talk about Xbox repair, or consult your local Google or Yahoo directories to see whether there is a reputable repair facility nearby. Don't forget as you interview repair shops to ask how long each one has been in the business. Newer locations can pose additional risk over shops that have been doing repairs for some length of time.

The cost to fix your Xbox 360 game system is one of the main reasons people stay away from using Xbox 360 repair services. You should consider your options here carefully. Sending your Xbox off to Microsoft will cost you about $150 for even the most basic repair. Shop around to find an Xbox repair facility that can offer you a repair price that falls below this dollar amount. Chances are, you won't find prices below $100, but it's worth a look.

The local repair shop option is great for you when you need your Xbox fixed quickly. Since time is really one of the main reasons why you're going this route, you'll want to be sure the repair shop you choose does offer timely service. Don't be shy about asking how long the repair will take, and push them for a faster turnaround.

Lastly, customer service can't be overlooked here. Hey, you need your Xbox 360 working now, right? If you can't find a shop that can get you back your Xbox in time, maybe one can offer you a "loaner" to take home while yours is being fixed? Hey - you can ask. And don't worry, you're not the only gamer out there who can't handle waiting for "your" fix. Local repair business is competitive. If the guys at the shop you choose want to stay in business, they may just do you a solid. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. - 30202

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