Guarantee and warranty differences explained

Guarantee and warranty differences explained

Guarantee and warranty

Guarantee and warranty, almost the same but not quite.  We often see these words stamped on products that we purchase. A smart buyer would want to know the difference.

A guarantee serves as a protection to the consumers from the manufacturers end but it is for a certain period of time and mostly only covers factory defects, it is free and you don’t have to pay anything. When you purchase a certain item, a manufacturer’s guarantee automatically comes along with it. This serves as a legal agreement between the consumer and manufacturer, it usually comes with a document that will serve as a proof. Some manufacturers offer money back guarantee, for a certain item but the span of time is not forever. Mostly they offer several days to return the product (if it is defective or you are not satisfied) and have your money back. The time is usually fixed and cannot be extended.

Manufacturers often use Guarantee on their products for tangible products like computer hardware. Manufacturers often offer instant repair if the product suddenly became defective or an immediate replacement if the product is beyond repair. Computer hardware refers to the parts of computer that can be touched and repaired by a technician like RAM, motherboard, hard disks and others. Manufacturers of these products offer guarantees. This is to assure the consumer that if there are any technical problems you immediately get help in resolving the issue or have it replaced if necessary. It will be easy for the manufacturer to get new consumers if they include this kind of service. This will give consumers peace of mind, that whatever happens, they can return the product. Somehow they have the security that they need especially products like computer hardware are not cheap.

Upon purchasing a computer part or an electrical device, be sure that it is covered by a guarantee. There are terms and agreements between the manufacturer and the consumer, be sure you fully understand what it says, ask if there are refunds, do they offer home service, do they have immediate replacements and other questions concerning guarantee. Choose a product provided that offers the best guarantee agreement. There are others who offer refunds, money back guarantee or an on call technician available 24/7 and even free shipping. Manufacturers do this to make it easier for the consumer to ask assistance whenever they need it. For instances, when you purchase computer parts and you are unable to install them properly, manufacturers (good one’s at least) have technicians you can call to help you solve the problem remotely, often times free of charge. Most technicians have specific time allotted for each client, if it cannot be fixed on a given time, they give a refund for the number of hours it would take to be fixed. If still it doesn’t work, they will replace it without asking for additional fees.

Warranty has a similarity to guarantee but this is something that you often pay for especially if you want the warranty in effect for an extended period.  It is mostly offered by suppliers and distributors not the manufacturers. Software often uses this kind of agreements between the company and the consumers. Just like a guarantee, it is also legal and used to protect consumers. You can compare it to an insurance plan, you have to pay a premium amount and pay for a prescribed period to keep the product you purchased insured. Warranty appears as to be the same as guarantee. The only difference is they put the agreements into writing and if the company failed to comply, the consumer can bring the issue to court and sue them. You can take legal action if the warrantor suddenly refuses to do what is agreed upon.

Any product is always quality tested and assumed to be perfect, but technical and mechanical errors cannot be avoided so it is best to make sure that the product you have has a warranty. Like when you are buying a software pick the one that offers the best warranty, software are sensitive and often on disks that can be damaged or scratched. Files can even be corrupted. In cases like these a good warranty will save you.

A warranty will provide the consumer the security they need, in case the product did not function. Software for example can be lost accidentally in shipping, they will immediately be replaced without charging anything to you (depending on that warranty of course). disks are sensitive and if it is delivered with scratch and does not function as promised this will be replaced. Some might not function after installing, if this problem occurs you can ask for assistance from their office technicians will help you resolve the problem remotely, in no time free of charge. There may be fixed number of days to return the product and any peripherals if it doesn’t work after installation. Some offer one year warranty but most often offer an extended warranty, depending on the agreement. There are also warranties that allow you to register as their subscriber, as such you can easily download the program from an FTP site if you need a replacement. This service is free since the consumer paid the registration fee and warranty fees.

Whenever you need to purchase anything, be sure if it has a warranty or guarantee. This will serve as your protection, as a consumer, you have the right to be secured. Be sure that you understand the agreement  between you and the manufacturer. Ask what is covered by the agreement and what is not. You can also ask how long the warranty or guarantee will last. Some even offer lifetime service which is good. The important thing is you get what you paid for.

Ultimately a guarantee being offered by the manufacturer will be against any factory defect and will not cover anything caused natural wear and tear, while a warranty is tantamount to an insurance plan to make sure that your product will continue to work as promised.