The Curious Porpoise said:
now suppose u have a 2 year warranty (or whatever) on a trimmer, mower, anything. how does the company know when the two years is up? is that what the registration card is for? cuz i personally haven't registered any of my equipment yet (last summer was my first season). or could i just accompany my disrepaired equipment w/ the dated receipt of purchase?
If your dealer is a reliable and competent one, then he should register your purchases and hold all the records of the dates and products that you bought. It's good business for him and you. You don't have to worry about it, and don't forget, dealers make good money off warranty work, while keeping their customers happy as well.
It is part of my "game plan" to build a good relationship with my dealer, and it has paid dividends through warranty work, and getting good fast service from him.
I expect you could show proof of purchase date and have the warranty work done, but probably depends on which company or brand you have bought.