Informed consumers avoid many of the hazards of the marketplace. This is also true when it comes to guarantees and warrantees.

When you buy a product, always ask for the warranty or guarantee in writing. If you do not have it in writing, the seller may not help you if you run into trouble with the item.

Before you buy, find out who stands behind the guarantee. Is it the seller, or the manufacturer? If it is the seller, ask about the service department. Can they handle repairs on site, or do they send the product away for repairs? Find out if the service department is authorized to handle repairs for the product. Sometimes, the guarantee covers only certain parts of the product and does not cover labour. Make sure you know exactly what your guarantee covers.

Ask if there are any fees, charges or restrictions if you wish to transfer a warranty. Ask about the length of a guarantee. You will want one that lasts for a reasonable amount of time. Be wary of "lifetime" guarantees. The merchant or manufacturer may not be around to live up to that claim. Ask if the guarantee is prorated, where the manufacturer considers the length of time the product has been used, and offers a reduced settlement when you look for a refund or exchange.

Sometimes you must send warranty cards to the manufacturer within a specific time. Read the cards carefully. You will want to know the conditions related to the guarantee. Some manufacturers authorize certain people to repair their products. Some guarantees may not be binding if repairs are not done by authorized people, or if manufacturer's parts were not used. As well, the guarantee may not be valid if the item was bought second hand.

Extended warrantees are generally sold on items like household appliances, electronics, and cars. Some of these warranties can be fairly expensive, so think about what repairs may cost and whether the warranty is worth buying. Consumer research has shown that in many cases, extended warranties offer very little extra protection to the consumer.

In Nova Scotia, the Sale of Goods Act and the Consumer Protection Act both require that merchants stand behind the general fitness of their products. As well, they require that the products suit the purpose for which they are sold. Even with these protections, though, it is always wise to deal with a merchant that can be relied on to back up the products they sell.