6 years guarantee on everything we buy

[xraanswerban]

If as I have been told on answerbank that there is a 6 year conditional guarantee on all retail goods then why are we harassed to purchase very expensive extra cover in certain retail outlets, don't they know the 1997 retail law.

[bednobs]

wouldn't believe evrything you read if i were you!

[katangel26]

The answer to your question?? Commission.

[xraanswerban]

Well katangel26, If as you say the answer is commission and the extra cover is not needed then are we not being robbed?

[pinkbabytots]

defo being roobed. These sales people make money on people who are not aware of their legal rights.

[xraanswerban]

Hi bednobs, I refer you to the answers to a question on law by soobet == Faulty tv == 05/01/07, read and learn.

[bednobs]

i have just read chirses excellent answer .. as he points out, they have to fix any fault that was inherent at the time f purchase, but i think extended garuntees etc cover things that wear out and break ... clearly not thinks that are inherently there at the time of purchase

[katangel26]

Yes certain people are being robbed but having said that why are these people taking out extra cover thats not needed rather than just saying no to the salesman/woman? The staff are taught to be persistant and do so for their, and their company's, pockets. If everyone just said no then they'd have to try different tactics.

[xraanswerban]

Good thinking bednobs,

[kempie]

The clue was in the wording you used in your question - "extra cover" i.e over and above your statutory rights.

It is your decision whether or not any extra cover gives value for money.

[xraanswerban]

Yes you may be right kempie, but have you ever tried to make a claim?

[Oneeyedvic]

The extra cover will often cover things like accidental damage - can save you claiming on house insurance.

[tubeway]

But if you have house insurance then surely you are covered for the accidental cover anyway (dependant on your policy) and you pay your premium so that you CAN claim on your policy if you have accidental damage.

[Oneeyedvic]

usually accidental damage on house insurance will have an excess of between �50-�100 (or more). By claiming on house insurance you would also lose any 'no claims bonus'.

It may be worth therefore spending a couple of hundred pounds (depending on cost and product life expectancy) on this insurance.

That said - it is often a money spinner for the stores.

[yummymummy]

Please bear in mind that the outside limit on claiming for faulty items is 6 years, BUT as time goes on the amount you are likely to be able to claim does reduce, so you are entitled to more after 1 or 2 years than you are after 5 or 6. The law relating to this isn't quite as straightforward and black and white as xraanswerban seems to think it is.

And what is the 1997 retail law? I think you mean the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended), so close!

[Nether Edge]

yummymummy is correct.
The "six years" is not a guarantee period: just a limit (by Limitation Act 1980) on period within which you could sue for breach of contract.
Insurance/ extended warranty is different, although usually expensive and rarely worthwhile.

[pughs10]

you might be surprised that most high street retailers do not pay commission to their staff anymore. As mentioned the 6 year rule only covers faults that can be proven to have been there at the time of purchase and the onus is on you to prove it, at your own expense. Also manufacturers guarantees very rarely cover natural wear and tear, whereas some companies will offer extra cover that will cover wear and tear beyond the expected life of the product.
Also compare what the 'extra' bit of the cover is. Is it extra time or extra cover. Did you know that manufacturers guarantees on computers don't cover the software so if the retailer does then it might be worthwhile. Some extra cover is a rip off, some is not. When they try to sell it to you listen, judge whether it will benefit you and use it as a bargaining tool for dicount. Especially now some retailers are using a month by month option. I got forty pounds off one item by agreeing to an �8.99 a month extra cover which i cancelled before the second payment so i saved �31.