Electrical appliances often come with a warranty. Manufacturers are free to set the duration of this themselves. The statutory guarantee, on the other hand, is valid for two years.
Warranty or guarantee for electrical appliances
When it comes to exchanging electrical appliances, people usually refer to the ‘warranty’ in everyday language. However, what most people mean when they use this word is the statutory guarantee.
- For example, you have bought a television from an electrical retailer which stops working shortly after purchase. In the shop, you ask for a replacement or a repair, which falls under the statutory warranty obligation.
- A guarantee, on the other hand, is a voluntary commitment by the retailer or manufacturer and usually relates to the functionality of a product. This can last for several years.
- Both the warranty and the statutory guarantee generally commence on the date of purchase and therefore run concurrently with the statutory two-year guarantee period.
- However, if more than six months have passed since the purchase, the so-called ‘reversal of the burden of proof’ applies under the statutory guarantee. You are then obliged to prove that the fault was already present at the time of purchase. As this is often virtually impossible, it makes sense to claim under the warranty immediately from this point onwards (provided the retailer has offered one).
Duration and scope of the warranty
As the warranty is a voluntary service provided by the manufacturer, its duration and scope vary. For electrical appliances, however, you will usually receive a warranty covering the replacement or repair of faulty items. It is best to read the warranty terms and conditions carefully before making a purchase.
- In many cases, with higher-priced appliances, there is also the option to purchase an extended warranty package for an additional charge. Whether this is worth it depends on the type of appliance and, above all, on your need for peace of mind.
- The advantage of the warranty is that there is no reversal of the burden of proof even after six months. One disadvantage is that manufacturers are sometimes able to set the terms themselves. For example, they may stipulate more than two repair attempts.
- To make a warranty claim, you should contact the manufacturer or the retailer. A proof of purchase is required.
Duration and scope of the warranty
The German Civil Code (BGB) clearly states that the warranty obligation generally expires after 24 months. If you buy second-hand goods, this obligation may be reduced to twelve months. However, this must then be set out in writing in the sales contract.
- If you are entitled to a warranty, the retailer can either send you a new item or repair the faulty goods. However, they may only attempt the latter a maximum of twice. If the device is still faulty after that, you are entitled to a new one.
- To make a claim under the warranty, you should contact the retailer directly and describe the problem with your device. You should have proof of purchase or the warranty document to hand. You should therefore always keep these safe.
- The warranty also only applies if the device is genuinely faulty, not if, for example, you simply do not like it. Furthermore, the damage must not have been caused by you, for instance because you dropped it.
