Melbourne-based warranty and service provider United Electric Engineering has thrown a lifeline to resellers and distributors left stranded by the collapse of Sydney-based warranty outfit, Australia Onsite Service.

Australia Onsite Service (AOS) provided standard and extended warranty services on computer hardware as well as system development and network integration. But the company closed its doors last week leaving resellers who had paid for warranty without cover.

The former hotline is now a recorded voicemail message that asks customers to leave their contact details. However, United Electric is offering to help AOS customers who have been left without warranty cover.

The company is already helping out distribution outfit PC Club with a warranty and service package.

“We want to put a rescue package together for anyone who has warranties underwritten by that company,” United Electrical director, Rolf Latzel, said.

“For us to offer a service, we have got to be responsible and make sure that there is some sort of safety net.

"When a company closes, the poor old reseller still has to provide parts and labour. They can’t just turn around to their customer and say, 'sorry, the business is no longer around'.

"The worst part is that with the industry the way it is, there have been quite a few support companies go under.”

It is the second time that United Electrical has come to the rescue of resellers left high and dry by business failures. Two years ago, the company put together a package to help honour the warranties when Foundation Warranties in Perth closed down.

“We’ve been around for 11 years and we are here for the long term. The only way we are going to do that is by being responsible to the industry. It’s looked after us.”

Companies can contact United Electrical on (02) 9666 7644 or at http://www.unitedelectrical.com.au