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If an appliance breaks down while still under warranty, most manufacturers require the same basic steps before they will repair or replace it. First, locate the original receipt or order confirmation, since the warranty period usually starts from the purchase date, not the delivery date. Next, check whether the fault is actually covered; normal wear, accidental damage, and problems caused by unauthorized repairs are typically excluded. Customers should then contact the retailer or manufacturer's support line rather than a third-party repair shop, because using an outside technician can void the warranty entirely. Most companies ask for a short description of the problem, photos or a video if possible, and the product's serial number, which is usually printed on a label on the back or underside of the item. After submitting a claim, customers can expect an initial response within five to seven business days. Some companies will send a replacement part directly, while others require the item to be shipped to a service centre for inspection, which can add another one to two weeks. Keeping all original packaging until the warranty period ends is strongly recommended, since some claims require the product to be returned in that packaging for a refund or exchange to be processed.