If Someone Experiences Property Damage, Should They Contact the Store or the Manufacturer?

When a customer experiences potential property damage and believes it might be related to a product, the next step can feel uncertain. Should you contact the store where you purchased the item, or go straight to the manufacturer?
In most cases, the path to resolution depends on where you purchased the product and how the brand’s distribution works. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to do—and why your first call should usually not be to the store.