Tips for buying a new electrical product

Why companies and retailers shy away from providing customer service , I am not sure of.
I just recently bought a heater from an electric retailer . It was a product of Usha Lexus.
From the day I bought it , the fan did not work. When I took it back to the retailer, he basically washed his hands of it. He gave me a number to call - companies customer service and gave all the work to me. After calling multiple times and trying to schedule with my busy timings it has taken me a week and a half to try and get a new product fixed!
I am a highly dissatisfied customer

If this was a situation with walmart, they would have immediately taken it back and replaced it with a new one. It's not tour problem, but theirs.
Unfortunately , even with big retailers here in india, this is not the case. A friend of mine bought an amplifier from reliance digital, and had a problem , they again pointed them to the manufacturer.

The retailers in india it seems havens very different model... One that needs to change.

So, what could I have done to ensure I did not get into this problem.

1. When taking the product. Get it checked before taking it home.
2. Lots of times the retailer says that he cannot open a new piece, it is factory packed. DO NOT accept that . Ensure you check it, or take your business elsewhere !!
3. Check for the gaurantee card immediately. Get it signed in front of you. Dont believe the retailer.
5 check for testing signs from the factory. Somewhere it should say "tested ok"
6. While going for a retailer, get feedback about them, search the web for feedback.( it's a great idea for an application)

Remember, the retailer will not accept your claim, the headache and heartache will be yours

Be smart