I had a customer ask if we offer a product warrantee. I dunno.
Full Version: Guarantees And Warranties
What is the difference between a "guarantee" and a "warranty"? Do they apply to different kinds of products or circumstances? From a retailer's perspective, what should I offer to my customers?
I had a customer ask if we offer a product warrantee. I dunno.
I had a customer ask if we offer a product warrantee. I dunno.
From dictionary.com-
A warranty is a promise or guarantee given. A guarantee is an agreement assuming responsibility to perform, execute, or complete something and offering security for that agreement. It is a promise or an assurance, especially one given in writing, that attests to the quality or durability of a product or service, OR a pledge that something will be performed in a specified manner.
From my own experience, a guarantee is typically a money-back type of agreement dictating if the service or product is unsatisfactory, the buyer is provided his funds back, whereas a warranty is typically a replacement or repair agreement.
I think at one time there was probably a significant difference between the two, but in today's jargon, I think the difference is largely semantic.
If the customer asked you about a product warranty, I'd check with whatever documentation you received from the product's manufacturer. If it's something you manufacture or otherwise create yourself, It's up to you, and depends on the item itself.
I would assume they just want some kind of assurance that the product will function properly, but it wouldn't hurt to ask them to clarify as you are getting into "legal-ese" here.
A warranty is a promise or guarantee given. A guarantee is an agreement assuming responsibility to perform, execute, or complete something and offering security for that agreement. It is a promise or an assurance, especially one given in writing, that attests to the quality or durability of a product or service, OR a pledge that something will be performed in a specified manner.
From my own experience, a guarantee is typically a money-back type of agreement dictating if the service or product is unsatisfactory, the buyer is provided his funds back, whereas a warranty is typically a replacement or repair agreement.
I think at one time there was probably a significant difference between the two, but in today's jargon, I think the difference is largely semantic.
If the customer asked you about a product warranty, I'd check with whatever documentation you received from the product's manufacturer. If it's something you manufacture or otherwise create yourself, It's up to you, and depends on the item itself.
I would assume they just want some kind of assurance that the product will function properly, but it wouldn't hurt to ask them to clarify as you are getting into "legal-ese" here.
Gotcha! Thank you very much!
I agree with Clint.
In my experience a warranty is offered by a manufacturer and it asserts the quality of a specific product (usually for a specific time period and only under certain use conditions). For example, "our product will be free from defect, under prescribed operating conditions, for not less than 1 year."
A guarantee on the other hand is offered by a retailer and asserts the customer will be happy with the product and/or service provided. For example, "you will be totally satisfied with our handling of your order, our support and service (and maybe the product) or...".
However as Clint says, many people use the terms interchangeably which makes it harder to know what a specific customer means by either term without explicitly asking.
Ed
In my experience a warranty is offered by a manufacturer and it asserts the quality of a specific product (usually for a specific time period and only under certain use conditions). For example, "our product will be free from defect, under prescribed operating conditions, for not less than 1 year."
A guarantee on the other hand is offered by a retailer and asserts the customer will be happy with the product and/or service provided. For example, "you will be totally satisfied with our handling of your order, our support and service (and maybe the product) or...".
However as Clint says, many people use the terms interchangeably which makes it harder to know what a specific customer means by either term without explicitly asking.
Ed
You're welcome!
QUOTE(mcsmiths @ Jul 19 2005, 11:05 AM)
Gotcha! Thank you very much!
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