Difference Between Condition And Warranty

When purchasing a product or service, there are typically terms and conditions that come with it. This is especially true for big-ticket items like cars, appliances, and electronics. These terms and conditions can be classified as either a condition or warranty. Although the two may sound similar in nature, they have distinct differences that can greatly affect your rights as a consumer. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between a condition and a warranty.

Condition

A condition is an essential term of the contract, which means it is a critical feature of the product or service that you are purchasing. Conditions are laid out before the sale of the product or service, and they must be fulfilled by the seller. Conditions are also important because if they are not met, you may have a right to reject the product or service.

For example, if you are purchasing a car, a condition of the contract might be that the car has a working engine, but if the engine is found to be defective, the condition has not been met. In such a case, you may have the right to reject the car and demand a full refund. If the condition is met, and the engine is working, you would not have the right to reject the car.

It is important to note that conditions can be express or implied. Express conditions are those that are explicitly laid out in the contract, either verbally or in writing. Implied conditions, on the other hand, are not explicitly stated but are still considered a part of the contract. They are inferred from the nature of the transaction, the circumstances surrounding it, and the intentions of the parties involved.

In certain situations, the law may also imply conditions. For example, when purchasing goods from a seller in a business transaction, there are a number of conditions that are implied by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 in the UK. These include a condition that the goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.

Warranty

In contrast to a condition, a warranty is a secondary promise made by the seller to the buyer. It does not form an essential part of the contract, but rather, it is an additional obligation that the seller undertakes, either voluntarily or in response to a demand from the buyer. Warranties are not a critical feature of the product or service, and they do not have to be fulfilled in order for the contract to be considered valid.

For instance, if you buy a washing machine, the warranty might promise that it will work for a certain period, say two years. If the machine stops working within that two-year period, the seller is obliged to either repair or replace the machine, depending on the specific terms of the warranty. If, however, the machine stops working after the two-year period, the seller has no obligation to replace or repair the machine.

Warranties can be express, meaning they are explicitly laid out in the contract, or implied. The term “implied warranty” is often used to refer to the warranties that are legislated by statute. They are implied by law and exist regardless of whether there is an express warranty or not.

For example, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 implies that goods sold by a seller in the course of business must be of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described. If a product is found to be defective, the buyer may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or a refund.

Key Differences Between Conditions and Warranties

1. Critical Feature of the Contract

Conditions are essential terms of the contract; warranties are not. If a condition is not met, the buyer may have the right to reject the product or service, while a breach of warranty may only entitle the buyer to a repair, replacement, or a refund.

2. Timing

Conditions are determined at the time of the sale, while warranties are typically made after the sale has taken place.

3. Obligation

A breach of a condition gives the buyer the right to end the contract and seek damages. A breach of warranty, on the other hand, only gives the buyer the right to seek a repair or replacement.

4. Nature

Conditions are critical to the functionality of the product or service, while warranties are not. Conditions must be fulfilled for the product or service to be considered satisfactory, while warranties offer additional protection or assurance to the buyer.

Conclusion

Conditions and warranties are two of the key terms that consumers need to be aware of when purchasing goods and services. Although the two terms may sound similar, they are in fact quite different in nature. Conditions are essential terms of the contract that must be fulfilled for the product to be considered satisfactory. A breach of a condition can give the buyer the right to end the contract and seek damages. Warranties, on the other hand, are secondary promises made by the seller that offer additional protection to the buyer. A breach of a warranty may only entitle the buyer to a repair, replacement, or a refund. It is important to understand the differences between the two and to read through the terms and conditions of any purchase carefully.