Sounds good ..... but what does this term mean -
and is it for real?

Marketing experts point to a "Lifetime Guarantee" as often meaning the difference between a sale or a customer who walks away.

But what is a lifetime Guarantee? Whose lifetime are we talking about? How do we measure that time period? Are we talking about the manufacturer? The customer? The customary life of the product itself - how long it typically lasts? Even Your liftetime? Why don't they just give a specified time period?

There's no real answer to the question:
How long should a 'Lifetime Guarantee' last?

In New Zealand, you are protected by the Consumer Guarantee Act and if things go wrong, the Small Claims Court (Disputes Tribunal). This can also protect the Vendor of the goods - as the first thing that both of these organisations will want to establish is:

What is a REASONABLE LIFETIME for the product in question?

Recent judgements have found that a $2,000 100" Flat Screen TV should have an expected lifetime of at least Ten Years and the vendor must honour this, even if you DON'T take out the 'Extended Warranty' (which strictly speaking is not legal). A brand-new Car may have a similar (more or less) lifetime, but a Swimming Pool? It is not unreasonable to expect a $30,000 swimming pool will enjoy 'a lifetime' of at least 20 years without any major repairs. But ... it doesn't mean 'forever"!

The main issues is that the Consumer Guarantee Act provides that the Guarantee is issued by the Vendor who has been paid for the product. Legal enforcement does not extend to the Vendor's sales staff, or the actual (overseas) manufacturer, but the Vendor him/herself. So you must protect yourself - make sure you find out who is legally responsible for these claims!

Be CERTAIN that the 'Owner' of the company selling you this product is prepared to put HIS/HER name on the dotted line, and personally sign the Guarantee. Not many people realise that - because you have purchased a well-known brand of an imported product, any Local Agent is bound to honour their warranty or guarantee!

Ask the obvious questions: How long have they been in business selling this product? Has the product lasted out in the New Zealand weather for the length of their guarantee - if not, how can they be sure it will last the 'lifetime' they are telling you it will? And finally and most importantly; Will the Legal Vendor (the person you PAY) sign a Personal Guarantee?

CHECK OUT THE CASCADE GUARANTEE (CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE)
We define the meaning of 'Lifetime' for each component we sell - in understandable terms!

Remember the Latin expressions that governs all financial transactions: Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer Beware!)