“We offer a lifetime warranty on our artificial grass” Very catchy, is it not? If you came across this offer, would you not be in a rush to get in on it? Save yourself the trouble and don’t.
When choosing an artificial grass supplier and installer, there are no doubt many things to consider. In the same way, you shouldn’t make such a decision based on just the pricing element, you should also not choose an installer based solely on the length of the warranty offering, however attractive it may sound. After all, if it looks and sounds too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.
The All-Important Questions
Delving into these lengthy, and even lifetime warranty offerings on artificial grass supply and installation, here are three questions you should take time to ask yourself first.
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Will the Company Still be around?
Across the different sectors, some businesses will set up shop today and close down in a matter of months or a few years. It’s no different in the artificial grass industry. Your warranty is not worth the piece of paper on which it is written if the company that should honor it is no longer around.
You cannot, with any certainty, tell if an artificial grass company will still be around, in say, the 15 years indicated in your warranty. However, you can always look at a few things that would point to the chances of the company being around. How long the company has been in business, for example, is always a good pointer. Also, look up reviews about the company, which should give you a feel of the clients’ perspective, which can mean good or bad news for the future of the company.
One too many clients have found themselves in a situation where they call their synthetic turf supplier or installer, only to discover that they are no longer in business.
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About the Burden of Proof?
It’s easy to attribute problems with your artificial grass installation, a few months after laying it out to the product itself and/or the workmanship. Do you imagine it would be as easy if you made the same claim in another 15 or more years? How can you prove that the problems are not stemming from the wear and tear that comes with years of use?
Over time, the more reasonable explanation for various issues is ultimately wear and tear. You will have quite the task to prove otherwise. Wear and tear is usually, in itself, a primary exclusion in the terms of many warranties.
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EXACTLY what is included in my warranty – what does it cover?
When you are entering into any contract, it is important to know the conditions, and exactly what is included in your warranty, and what it covers.
Here at Perth Artificial Grass, we are proud to be Perth’s ONLY Artificial Grass company to offer 8yrs Product AND 8yrs Installation Warranty.
Selling Point
Keep in mind that the synthetic grass industry continues to become quite competitive with new players getting into the game every day. With this reality comes a serious match among the companies, offering, and doing everything they can to stand out from the competition.
The length of the warranty has always been a great selling point for artificial grass products and installations. An uninformed client will easily choose company A that offers a lengthier warranty period over the others. That is indeed what happens mostly, but shouldn’t be the case.
Before you sign the contract, be sure to see beyond just how great a selling point it is, and do your due diligence. It is, indeed, well worth it in the long run.
Understanding The Fine Print
Take the time to carefully read and understand everything there is to your artificial grass warranty. Go over the fine print on your own in an unrushed fashion. You shouldn’t expect too much jargon in there, but, anything that you need clarifying, do not hesitate to ask a company representative.
Before signing your contract, ensure that you are well aware of what is covered and what is not. Know who, be it the issuing company, or a third party that will be responsible for honoring the warranty. Also inquire about, for example, an exclusion such as wear and tear, what exactly defines “normal” wear and tear?
Bottom Line
When you are looking for an artificial grass supplier or installer, do not base your choice too much on the length of the warranty offered. There is more to a warranty than just that.
Instead, be sure you understand all the terms and conditions. You also want to make sure that you go for a trustworthy company that is more than likely to be around to honor that warranty when the time comes.