I had bought a new combo meter online at hydro source back in 2010 and it developed a short in the EC probe cable.My local hydro store South bay hydro did a over the counter exchange after confirming with manufacturer that they would exchange under the warranty of the items after sending pictures of receipt and meter. The serial number on the meter said it was a batch made in 2004. the biggest thing I wanted to say was the manufacturer and my local retailer stepped up n served me well. I got a new meter! The lesson is local stores can provide better customer service and usually will match online prices with shipping.