Security barriers play a vital role in our protection at home, so we often focus on a product’s strength under attack. But what happens when things go wrong? Who is responsible for fixing the fallout? Well, that depends on how enforceable the product warranty is. Read why the Trellidor warranty stands above the rest.
Warranty vs Guarantee
A warranty is usually a written guarantee or promise about the integrity of the product you’re buying. It holds the maker of the product responsible for repairing or replacing a defective product or its parts. Some companies use ‘warranty’ and others use ‘guarantee.’ But they both refer to how a problem with a product or service is resolved.
If you have a complaint about a product or service, you don’t have to rely on just the warranty or guarantee. You also have protection against defective goods under the SA Consumer Protection Act. According to this Act consumers have an implied right to a warranty that goods purchased ‘comply with the requirements and standards of being safe, of good quality and durable.’
Misleading Assurances
So why is there so much confusion in the marketplace about security barrier warranties? This is largely because guarantees have sometimes been used as a persuasive marketing tool. Dramatic statements highlighting unbelievable guarantees may feel irresistible. But they also create a false sense of security because you could run into problems when you try to enforce these guarantees.
Hidden clauses
For example, some companies don’t tell you that their best guarantees only apply to certain products. And it’s usually not the one you’re buying. Other warranties that seem attractive have conditions attached that make them hard to enforce. They could say that security barriers must be installed inside the home, not outside. Or that you have to pay for a product service every year.
Over Promising
There have also been instances when companies have promised a ‘lifetime guarantee.’ In reality there is no such thing, and this statement is misleading. Most products degrade over time due to weather, usage, or vandalism. No security barrier can guarantee protection indefinitely without maintenance.
Implied ‘Maintenance Free’
No security system is maintenance free, in spite of what the marketing material may say. But sometimes this benefit is implied, especially if the barrier is made from aluminium. However, all security barriers need periodic inspections, adjustments, and sometimes part replacements to remain effective. The warranty should never refer to ‘maintenance free’ or suggest this through the wording.
So what is different about Trellidor warranties that make them believable and dependable? Let’s take a look.
What you need to know about Trellidor Warranties
- Every Trellidor product has a warranty
All Trellidor security products are supplied with a warranty. It applies to defective installation or faulty workmanship and the repair or replacement of non-conforming or defective materials or components. The length of the warranty period depends on whether the product is installed in a coastal or inland property.
- Fair product failure measurement
A Trellidor South Africa warranty includes material quality and corrosion resistance. Material failure due to corrosion is measured against the industry standard Rig (ISO:4628-3:2003. This determines the extent of material degradation. There is no guessing or dodging responsibility.
- Nothing is hidden from customers in a Trellidor warranty
Warranty periods differ according to product range and location, and the warranty shows this. There are no impossible promises that you could never hope to enforce. Electrical components and motors may have different warranty periods to the other materials used to construct the barrier. These are listed in the warranty. The installation technician explains the Trellidor warranty on completion of the job and when handing over to the customers. Find out more
- Trellidor has honoured warranties for over 4 decades and counting
A critical part of getting a warranty fulfilled is that the company supplying it is still in business. The security barrier industry is a tough one. Many suppliers have changed hands, with new owners refusing to honour guarantees on products sold under the previous owners. Others have simply closed up shop, with no possibility for customers of getting complaints sorted out. Trellidor is a public company and has been in business for over 40 years. We have always honoured our warranties and will continue to do so.
- Trellidor always responds to complaints
Check your social networks to find out how well security barrier suppliers resolve problems, including warranty complaints. There will always be negative comments about companies, especially after a traumatic event such as a break-in. But the way a company handles these complaints tells you how serious they are about customer service.
Rights vs Responsibilities
With all rights there are responsibilities and its no different with a security barrier purchase. The right to have a reasonable and enforceable security barrier warranty means that in turn you need to:
- Avoid any wilful damage that is caused due to negligence, tampering, abnormal working conditions, failure to follow use instructions or misuse.
- Make sure that whoever installs your Trellidor security barriers is a Trellidor approved technician.
- Regularly clean and maintain the barriers, following the care instructions found in your warranty or on our website.
- Avoid any water damage to electric locks, motors, and other electrical equipment that is fitted with your Trellidor security barrier.
Misuse of the security barrier and neglecting the above responsibilities are some of the reasons why a warranty may become invalid. If you are in any doubt as to how to take care of your barriers, please contact your local Trellidor franchise or visit the Trellidor website – search for ‘trellidor near me’ to find help.
To safeguard yourself against disappointment should you have problems with your security barriers, remember to always ask your supplier for a written warranty. Make sure you read the fine print and ask questions if you don’t understand the performance guarantees and maintenance requirements. As already mentioned, Trellidor supply your security barrier warranty on the completion of an installation, so that’s the time to ask your questions. Or contact your nearest Trellidor supplier.
