Is the commercial warranty proposed worth the money?
“I want to buy a photo camera on a UK website and the seller proposes a 2-year commercial warranty against payment. Should I subscribe?” Based on its case handling experience, the ECC-Net recommends that the consumer check the following:
- Is the duration longer than that of the legal guarantee (minimum 2 years)?
- Will the consumer have to prove that any malfunction arose from a defect in the product?
- Is a thorough examination of the defect required even if the goods are returned after the first six months?
- Is a courtesy replacement provided during examination or repair?
- Are the complaint procedures clear and simple?
- Does the seller have to pay for return of the product to the shop or repair centre?
- Are problems linked to water damage, accidental breakage or oxidation included?
If the answer is yes to more than 3 of these questions, the commercial warranty may be beneficial.
Your consumer rights in the event of non-conformity or defects:
“I purchased a photo camera on holiday in Spain. A year later it stopped working. The seller tells me that the commercial warranty has expired. What do I do now?” In the EU, Iceland and Norway, the legal guarantee of conformity allows you to request, within at least 2 years of purchase, repair or replacement, or a partial or total refund if repair or replacement are impossible. In some countries the duration is even longer (3 years in Sweden, 6 years in Ireland and the UK) or takes into account a longer expected life span for certain goods (such as in Finland or the Netherlands, or in Norway or Iceland where goods meant to last longer than 2 years are covered for 5 years). Particularly beneficial to consumers is the fact that throughout Europe, you do not have to prove the existence of the defect at least during the first 6 months after delivery.
So a 1-year warranty advertised by a seller has no influence on your rights under the legal guarantee provisions and you should insist on those rights!
Below. please, find more materials:
Summary of the ECC-Net report „Commercial Warranties – Are they worth the money”
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