Updated October 30, 2020:

Warranty Examples

There are many warranty examples, and they may be used or needed in any number of situations. Many times the warranty is implied rather than stated either in writing or verbally.

At the most basic level, a warranty is an assumption or guarantee that an item that is being purchased will be able to used, as it intended, for a reasonable length of time. Additionally, warranties are used in real estate, insurance policies. There are also express warranties and implied warranties. Some warranties may come with disclaimers.

Different Types of Warranties

There are four different types of warranties:

  • Express Warranty: an express warranty guarantees that the seller will repair (or, even replace) a product should it become defective within a certain period of time. We have at least heard (if not used it, ourselves) the phrase, “well, it’s okay…they will replace it because it is still under warranty.” These are generally provided by the manufacturer, not necessarily the seller. (For example, your coffeemaker will be repaired by Bodum, not Macy’s.)
  • Implied Warranty: this is the most common type of warranty and does not necessitate any type of written understanding. An implied warranty is just that: implied. It is the assumption that whatever you are purchasing will be able to be used or consumed in the manner intended. Additionally, an implied warranty assumes that (unless stated otherwise) that you are purchasing merchandise that is in new condition. An example of an implied warranty is the assumption that the new sweater you are buying from a department store is free of any holes, stains, or other damage.
  • Lifetime Warranty: whereas an express warranty has a time limit as to how long it is valid, a lifetime warranty has no such expiration date. Generally, however, the lifetime warranty is good for the lifetime of the buyer, not the lifetime of the product. So, if your 80-year-old grandmother buys a new stove and bequeaths it to you upon her death, the lifetime warranty is no longer valid. Additionally, the lifetime warranty is only valid provided that the item is being used for its intended purpose. So, please do not use that new widescreen television as a dance platform!
  • Extended Warranty: an extended warranty falls somewhere between an express warranty and a lifetime warranty. After the expiration of the express warranty, an extended warranty may still be in effect for certain parts or components of an item. Much as with an express warranty, however, there is a time limit applied to extended warranties. Additionally, as with all warranties, an extended warranty assumes that the buyer is using the item as the manufacturer or seller intended. Using something for other purposes may nullify a warranty.

What Should Be Included?

Perhaps you are a manufacturer or retailer, and you want to offer your customers warranties on your products. What should you include in your warranty to ensure that your customers will be satisfied, while you aren’t making repairs or replacements for which you are not prepared?

  • What time period does the warranty cover? Are you offering a lifetime warranty or an express warranty? You will want to be clear on this, so a customer does not come to you 20 years later, wanting their blender replaced, if that is not your intent.
  • How does the customer obtain their warranty service? Do they need to bring the blender to the retailer from which they purchased it or do they mail it to you, directly? What information (receipts, description of defects) do they need to provide? Is there a customer service number to call, first?
  • Exactly what services are you willing to provide under the parameters of the warranty? Are you going to fully replace the blender, outright or are you going to repair it? If repairing the item is your intent, are there certain components of the blender that are not under warranty?
  • Are there certain problems or issues that your warranty will not cover? For example, if the customer drops the pitcher and it breaks, will you replace it?
  • State laws. Different states have different laws and regulations regarding warranties. As such, it is important that you know what your state’s laws are and how that may affect your warranties.

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