What is a Warranty Card – Facts That You Need to Know
What is the Use of Warranty Cards?
Warranty assures you the things you buy are of good quality and don’t contain manufacturing defects. Warranties give consumers the right to ask the manufacturer to deal with any issues according to their terms and conditions.
In other way, it is a hidden promise from manufacturer saying “I will take responsibility”
Different Types of Warranties
There are different types of warranties but you must know at least the 2 important warranty types:
- A full warranty is a promise to fix or replace a defective product at no charge to the consumer
- A limited warranty is any written warranty that doesn’t meet the requirements for a full warranty.
Example of a limited warranty: covers only parts, not labor…gives a partial refund when something goes wrong…covers product only as long as it is owned by the original buyer,
Warranty Terms and Condition – An Important Point to Remember.
It is mandatory to read and understand the terms and conditions on the warranty card. They generally covers:
- Warranty Duration – How long the warranty exists? Duration of the warranty really maters. For example, people always select a product offering 5 years warranty against 2 years for a similar products? This is how the manufacturers building the trust and selling the products more in the market.
- Whom to contact in case a service required? A seller, dealer or manufacturer?
- What the manufacturer do if the product fails within the warranty period? Repair or Replace?
- What parts are covered under repair/replacement and what is not covered?
- Will the warranty cover a damage due to human error?
- Any “consequential Damage coverage”? Which means if the food spoiled due to a refrigerator damage, manufacturer not liable to pay the cost of food.
- Are there any conditions or limitations? For example, if a product designed for personal use and damaged due to business use.
How to Protect a Product Once After the Warranty Expires?
Most of the vendors offering extended product warranties for their products. Customers can sign a service contract, but need to pay aside from the product’s cost. In these contracts, the maker typically offers repairs in case your product breaks down.
Before signing such contracts, ensure to confirm to see whether it duplicates repairs already covered by original warranty etc.
What if Product Failed During Paying the Amount as Installments?
If the company refuses to act, you can stop making payments. However, you must give a chance to the company to deal with the situation and ensure you have not misused the product. If still the issue is not resolved, approach the consumer protection authority or regulators dealing with such to sue against the manufacturer.
How to Deal with Warranty Cards?
- Read the warranty before you buy. When online, look for hyperlinks to the full warranty or to an address where you can write to get a free copy. Understand exactly what protection the warranty gives you. If a copy of the warranty is available when shopping online, print it out when you make your purchase and keep it with your records.
- Reputation of the company matters. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Ensure the warranty has an address/phone number on it to write or call if you have questions or problems.
- File all warranty cards and keep it safe. You may need it to refer the date of your purchase or prove that you’re the original owner.
- Perform required maintenance and inspections as mentioned in the terms and conditions. This is specifically applicable for automobiles.
- Use the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Abuse or misuse may void your warranty coverage.
If you still have any questions that needs to be answered, you are welcome to mention the same hereunder the comment box.