What is meant by a “lifetime guarantee”? Does it mean that the product will last forever? Does it mean the product is guaranteed while the manufacturer remains in business? Or, legally, does it mean nothing?
It usually means none of your options. A “lifetime guarantee” generally only applies to the expected lifetime of the product – not the purchaser. Usually, such a guarantee will not be made unless the contract stipulates what the product’s expected lifetime is.
For example, a pre-painted metal roof may be expected not to rust for 15 years. If it were accompanied by a lifetime guarantee, that would mean if it did rust within that time period, you could easily demand a new roof. Unfortunately, many goods don’t come with a clear indication of their product expectancy, so you may be in for a fight when you return to the store with your guarantee.
The best advice I can give is if you ever purchase goods with a lifetime guarantee, get the seller to write on your receipt how long that expected period is, if it’s not already on a contract. If you currently have goods with a guarantee and want to make a claim, don’t hesitate to give it a crack.
Be encouraged by the English woman who recently made a claim on her Tilley brand hat. It was 17 years old and the fabric had just split. Given it was sold to her with a lifetime guarantee, she contacted Tilley in the UK and they happily sent her a new one. Cheek often has its rewards!
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