AK service tip

What is the difference between a guarantee and a warranty?

Melanie Gößler from the Styrian Chamber of Labor

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com, AK Stmk)

Melanie Gößler, consumer protection expert at the Styrian Chamber of Labor, explains the differences between guarantees and warranties - and who is entitled to them.

Guarantees and warranties are not the same thing, but are often confused. A guarantee is always a voluntarily agreed assumption of liability granted by the manufacturer. It is independent of fault, but without a guarantee declaration there is no entitlement to it. The content of the guarantee can also be almost arbitrary.

For example, it is permissible for the guarantee to state that only material, but not labor, will be replaced. There are also no specifications for the duration of a guarantee.

Statutory liability for defects
However, the guarantee promise neither replaces nor restricts the statutory warranty. The warranty is a statutory liability for defects on the part of the seller. In the event of a defect within the warranty period, consumers are initially entitled to a repair or replacement. If this is not possible or is not carried out, a claim for conversion or price reduction is also available at a further level.

If there are any uncertainties, affected consumers should contact the Styrian Chamber of Labor.