Warranties of Electrical/ Mechanical appliances: What does it mean

Every electrical/ mechanical appliance you purchase has some kind of warranty that comes with it even if there is nothing spelled out in writing. If there is a written warranty, read it carefully, know what it says and take advantage of it.

The terms guarantee and warranty are used interchangeably to mean a promise relating to performance of the product.

2 types of warranty:

  1. An implied warranty that is warranty of good quality
  2. Written warranty.

The first assures that the product sold is of good quality and will serve the purpose. The second in addition to the first type , states what the supplier will do and will not do if the product breaks down.

The written warranty.

Treat the warranty just as how you would normally treat the appliance itself. Don’t just throw it away. It costs the manufacturer money to fulfill the warranty terms and part of that cost is already included in the price you purchased the product.

What information should be included in a warranty.

  1. Who is the warrantor ?, is the name and address included?.
  2. Who will repair the product?Is it the dealer or the manufacturer?
  3. How long is the warranty in effect?
  4. Does the warranty cover all of the product or part of it?
  5. Who pays for parts , labor and shipping charges.
  6. If the product is removed for repairs, will a substitute product be provided as replacement ?
  7. On what grounds can the product be repaired or replaced by the manufacturer/ dealer.

Most warranties distinguish between defect and damage. A defect is the warrantor’s responsibility, and damage is the customer’s responsibility.

A defect is any fault that exists in the product when it was sold or develops within a specified time limit as long as the defect doesn’t stem from improper use.

Damage is the result of improper use of the appliance. For instance the damage of a blender by  overloading or  running it for more than the period specified at a time.

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