Here are a few things to consider when comparing warranty policy and
procedures of prospective suppliers:
- Who is offering the warranty?
Is it the manufacturer, the distributor, or the wholesaler?- What does the warranty cover?
Does the warranty cover the replacement cost of the product?
Is the value of the warranty pro-rated over the 'expected life' of the product?
Does the warranty only cover replacement of parts, not labour costs?- If the product needs repairing under warranty, is there an authorized
warranty service depot in your area?
Either is it the dealer's responsibility to arrange for the repair or is the end
user directed to a repair depot? - If there is no authorized warranty service depot in the area, who can repair
the product and who pays the shipping costs?
In most cases, what is the time involved for a typical warranty service repair?
- What is the experience of the Better Business Bureau in the area in regard
to any consumer complaints about the product performance or the
honouring of warranty service?
An example of a use of a warranty:
A business may decide to use a supplier's service and warranty
programs in their advertising.
It is the supplier who is telling you that your computer has a 3-year warranty, not
the local dealer.
This is one example of the use of supplier service and warranty programs to
market a business.
Ask each of your suppliers or kinds of suppliers' questions about: