Why the limit on warranty to subsequent purchasor?

In the 1970's Jansport mountaineering company offered a lifetime warrenty, no questions asked, on backpack frames sold in Europe, as well as in America. I remember the German firms tried to outlaw the practice as they would have to compete. Kelty backpacks from the 60's can still be traded in for new if they fail. These companies, especially Kelty command great loyalty to this day.

To answer Marakanetz, I believe McIntosh warrenties are all transferrable.

I suppose all would benefit if manufacturers would offer a transferrable warrenty for, say $250.00 transfer fee. They would still be insuring that which they should be insuring anyway. Also, just like circuit city 'extended warrenties' they propably won't be having to honor most of them anyway as the equipment really does not fail in the first few years if it can get past the first year. Everyone wins.

Sean, I don't disagree with anything you said. I don't know what kind of product you carry/sell but I know from my own experience that HiFi gear is somewhat fragile. Having a costomer drop a lawn mower off their trailer is a lot less serious than having a shipping clerk or dock hand toss an amp into a truck, or out the back door.
I think it is comendable that you offer the warranty you do, but you said yourself that you think you are the only one who does. There must be a reason, besides a distinct lack of customer service, that keeps others from offering the same warranty. I as a shopper would prefer to buy from a business man like you, but I would not require others to offer the same service you offer.
I have about $35,000 worth of gear in my listening room, none of which came with a warranty. I don't have a problem with that. I try to get to know the seller a little before buying higher priced equipment to determine if the person has the same attitude towards it as I have. I can't afford to buy damaged goods, but the lack of a warranty has never prevented a potential sale for me.
Sean, I have more respect for you than ever, but I'm still not convinced the maker of fragile electronic equipment has the responsibility to warranty the piece to anyone other than the original buyer.
But I still love you man!!!

i stand corrected. The McIntosh warrenty becomes void upon resale. isuppose I read too much into a great reputation.

McIntosh was purchased by Clarion (the last I heard).
Crown was recently purchased by Harmon International.
Things do change and reputations built up over decades can evaporate when someone bigger purchases a well known company............

You might be right, Daniel. I suppose it might be too much to ask a manufacturer to buy into his own hype. Still, I like the unit and I am glad I bought it......