When you buy a washing machine, dishwasher, or cordless stick vacuum, you probably know that it comes with a warranty. But in principle, you have a warranty on all products you buy. So also on items that are a bit less pricey, such as a hair dryer or electric toothbrush.
But how to make use of it is unclear to many people. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) Sees a Strong Increase in the Number of Warranty Issues. A Common Complaint is that you have no more rights after two years.
That is not always true, Says Joyce Donat, Consumer Law Spokesperson at the Consumers’ Association. She Distinguishes between Manufacturer’s Warranty and Legal Warranty. Manufacturer’s Warranty is an extra warranty on top of the warranty you already have by law. There is of a term attached to it. If your product breaks down just after the expiry of that term, it may happen that the seller hides behind it.
While you do not have to settle for that, because the legal guarantee or still applies. “We Regularly Hear That Discussions Arise With The Shopkeeper About This,” Says Donat. And it is also difficult to, because no fixed term has bone agreed for that legal guarantee.
This is where it of Goes Wrong
How long you are entitled to it dpends on the product and what you can reasonly expect from it. And that is Exactly Where It Goes Wrong, Donat Thinks. Because what is reasonable and what can you expect? That Depends:
- How Long Does The Product Last on Average?
- How much did you pay for it?
- What does the manufacturer promise?
AltheHe it also DEPENDS on interpretation here, you can use these points as a guide. For Example, You can Expect More From A Washing Machine From A Well-Known Washing Machine Brand Than From A Bargain. Sometimes it is very clear: an exensive purchase that only lasts a few days, Something must have gone wrong.
But there is also a very large gray area: Maybe you have already done QUITE A Few Washes and the Factory Term Has Just expired. Donat Mentions the Example of A Broken Circuit Board in Your Washing Machine. “That’s clear, you can’t have caused that yourself.” Even if you have the appliance for a long time, such a broken plate is of the results of a short circuit. A Phone That Suddenly Does Not Turn On Is also Beyond Your Control.
Buying Everything New Right Away is also a waste
Ultimately, it is your word against that of the seller. But know that you are often in a stronger position than you might think. The next time a seller rejects you because the factory term has expired, you now know that you can also invoke the legal guarantee.
That is also important with a view to sustainability. After all, it is a waste to just buy every new right away instead of having it repaired first. AltheHe IT is Easier, Thinks Consumer Psychologist Patrick Wessels. If you buy a new electric toothbrush, you know exactly what to expect.
If you go back to the store because yours is broken and you think you still have a warranty, you do not know how the seller will react. And Whether you still claim to get your money back or a replacement product. “That uncertainty ensures that we do not take action,” Says Wessels.
“It is Cognitive Dissonance: We convince Ourselves That We Actually Needed a New Toothbrush Anyway and That It is Therefore More Covenient to Just Go For A New One.”
Manufacturers profit from your ignorance
That is Difficult to Change, Wessels Thinks. More Awareness Can Help, Although That Is Not Enough Accordination to Him. Manufacturers Benefit from the Fact that buyers do not Knock for Every Defect. Only when the social norm is that it is ‘normal’ to go to the store for all your broken purchases, he thinks that something is Possible.
Donat: “And Make Sure That The Seller Does Not Refer You To The Manufacturer. Because by Buying in A Store, You have an completion with Them and They are Therefore Obliged to Help You.”
It is also important that you can demonstrate that your just new vacuum cleaner broke down through no fault of your own. And if you have used it for a while, it may also be that you can only partially invoke the guarantee and therefore do not get all your money back. Althegh that is of course better than nothing at all.