CONSUMERS! – WARRANTIES/GUARANTEES ARE VERY IMPORTANT
For many consumers, the deciding factors for purchasing an item are often competitive price, brand or seemingly good quality. Although these parameters are important to consider, it is imperative that our Guyanese consumers find out just who will accept responsibility if the item purchased develops early defects, since many retailers sell imported products with warranties/guarantees that are valid only in the country where the item was manufactured.
A warranty is a promise by the manufacturer that they will accept responsibility for defects and liability for repairing or replacing an item sold which is not of merchantable quality. A guarantee is an assurance that the goods or service is of a specified quality and durability.
Warranties /guarantees must contain the following information:
* Name and address of the guarantor,
* The duration of the warranty (6 months, 1 year etc),
* What exactly the warranty covers (whether the whole product or part), and
* The warranty performance (whether the item would be repaired, replaced or cost will be refunded).
When making a purchase decision, it is important that consumers pay attention to the warranty and or guarantee, the business is offering, especially if they are purchasing items such as electrical appliances, computers, furniture, generators, motor vehicles, cellular phones, etc. In other words, if a Business establishment that you would like to make a purchase from does not provide warranty/guarantee on any of the above items or items similar in nature, be sure to find another business that does.
Because warranty agreements may vary, purchase decisions can only be good if warranty options are looked at in detail before the decision to buy is made. Sometimes consumers do not pay attention to such factors, but most of the times they regret such decisions after the purchases were made. If not immediately, they regret later when the item becomes defective and they experience difficulties when seeking redress.
Consumers, you must be sure about your decision before you purchase any item. As a matter of fact, it is important that you know the exact warranty conditions the seller is offering you and this should be granted to you in writing. As you make your purchases ensure that warranties/guarantees are not given to you verbally and that they clearly cover the item purchased.  Consumers must also take time to read the fine print and seek clarification before it is too late.
For further information please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219-0062, 219-0065, 219-0066, 219-0069