A warranty is an agreement by the company to repair or replace a product up to a certain time. It is a good guarantee that protects you the consumer from unforeseen problems with products. The chances of your ever having to use this warranty are not that high but it is still good to have one.

Usually a warranty will last a year or two, but some companies guarantee their products for even longer. Many businesses realize that even though a consumer may not need to use these warranties, it gives the consumer confidence that the company that supplies the goods stands by their quality and wants to keep their customers coming back.

There are two types of warranty that companies will commonly offer.

Manufacturer’s warranty: This guarantees goods for one, two or three years. The store is not responsible for refund or replacement. Instead, the store will inform the consumer how to return the goods to the manufacturer for either a replacement or a refund. It’s a good idea to check the shipping arrangements with this type of warranty, as the price to ship certain goods can be more expensive than the product itself.

Store warranty: The guarantee is given by the store and will still be valid for one to three years. The difference here is that the customer will deal directly with the store. This is usually much more convenient for customers and preferred by many.

It shows a great deal of confidence in their goods when a company or business offers a long term warranty like a three year term. Customers can make purchases knowing that they are covered by the guarantee and this adds to a businesses reputation.

Companies also may offer extended warranties. These will often last for one to three years. They might be included in the price of the product or offered as an added cost to the customer. If you are purchasing the extended warranty be sure to read all of the conditions so that you know exactly what you are getting for your money. Be especially careful not to somehow void your warranty by improper installation or using products that the manufacturer warns against.

If you are buying your lighting fixtures online be extra cautious when you examine the warranty. Contact the customer service department if you have any questions about the guarantee that is being offered. The FAQ section of their web site can be a useful source of information about the warranty.

Remember that worst nightmare scenario. There is nothing worse than being stuck with something faulty when you purchased the item in good faith.