When restaurant equipment stops working, you not only face the hassle of repairing or replacing them but the expense as well. One thing you can do is understand the warranty on your equipment, so that you are more covered in face of any equipment issues. By being able to interpret your coverage and make a claim you will be covered. This starts by understanding what a warranty is.
A warranty is a promise of quality that the buyer can use as protection. For kitchen equipment, these are typically issued by the manufacturer. Throughout your warranty, there are areas where details will be more apparent. You can find the details of your warranty most often on the last page of your machine’s user manual.
Warranties do not cover cleaning your machines. For example, with ice machines the filter must be changed on a regular basis and the machine/ ice bin must be cleaned regularly. When the filter is dirty the machine will stop producing ice and many people confuse this as the machine is broken. Warranties do not cover regular maintenance for your equipment.
Not all warranties are created the same. Different warranties apply to different coverage. Before knowing how to interpret the warranty accompanying your machine, you need a better understanding of the types of warranties out there.
Parts and Labor Warranty
A warranty for parts and labor usually covers a technician and the cost of any replacement parts needed to repair the equipment. When performing repairs, you must work with the manufacturer so that an authorized technician completes the repair work. By allowing a non-authorized technician to work on your equipment, it could void the warranty and your warranty repair bill may not cover.
Warranty for Specific Parts- A warranty for specific parts only covers itemized components in the warranty. An example we can look at is refrigeration equipment. These often have a warranty covering the compressor, so it would only apply to the compressor, not the coils or the lights.
Replacement Warranty
Like parts and labor warranties, replacement warranty is created to help you perform repairs on your equipment or simply replace the unit altogether. The primary differentiation is that a replacement warranty is usually in place, so the manufacturer will send a replacement item rather than pay for the repairs outright. After getting your replacement part, the warranty won’t usually renew. It typically retains the same expiration date as it did at the time of the original purchase.
Extended Warranty
A typical offering when you buy a new piece of equipment is an extended warranty. Legally, these are known as service contracts. These agreements cover repairs and maintenance for a certain time. An extended warranty is additional coverage you can purchase along with your equipment. Which can be valuable because it is what is covered outside of the manufacturer’s included warranty.
Here are some simple things that will make your experience with a warranty much easier.
Save the Warranty– this is to know when and how to use your warranty, so that you can refer to it when needed.
Know the Voids- As soon as you get your warranty, be sure to look through and understand what things can void it. You may even consider reading the warranty information before you purchase.
Save the Receipt- some warranties you’ll need proof of purchase such as an invoice from where you purchased your item, to take advantage of coverage. To be sure you can provide that, store your receipt or invoice with your warranty information.
Register the Product- Many manufacturers want you to register the product as soon as you buy it. For some, it’s required that you register your product to take advantage of the warranty. Double– check whether this is needed anytime you buy a new piece of equipment.
Here are some common reasons why a warranty might be voided including:
Improper Installation- failure to install the equipment according to the manual that leads to damage.
Residential Use- using commercial equipment for residential use is potentially a good way to void the warranty. Some manufactures do cover a warranty in residence but it is important to check to make sure before purchase.
Unauthorized Repairs- A key part of your warranty is having an authorized technician perform any repairs. Having an unauthorized technician work on your machine may void warranty.
Making a Claim
The first step in making a claim is finding the contact information on the warranty. This is usually located at the top or bottom of the document. If you cannot find the phone number to make a claim, try contacting the store where you bought the equipment from. Some recommendations to speed up your claim process is sending quality and easy to understand photos of the defect with your claim form. Also allowing an authorized technician to check out the equipment. If a defect is found your claim will be accepted. Please note, for all items that include a warranty, the seller is not responsible for the warranty of your purchase. The warranty is solely covered by the manufacturer and the seller is not liable for repairing or replacing them.
Warranties are a great way to know the product your buying is will last. Hopefully this blog post gave you a better understanding on how warranties work and also how to use your warranty if your equipment happens to stop working.
