HOW BIG IS YOUR WARRANTY
“90-DAY WARRANTY”… “1-YEAR WARRANTY”… “LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY”… Many shop owners hand write the coverage on the customer’s invoice. But what does it cover? Does this protect your shop? A written warranty provides benefits for you and your customer. It sets expectations, protects both parties, and is a great marketing tool that encourages repeat business. Many warranty claims are a result of customer neglect. We see rebuilt engines or heads put in a vehicle without checking the other systems, mainly cooling system and ignition system. And maintenance schedules are often overlooked by the vehicle owner, particularly during the important break-in period. A written warranty needs to include what is covered and for how long, and it needs to outline the customer’s responsibilities. Warranty templates can be found on-line, and you can get good advice from industry and business associations, and it’s a good idea to seek legal help when establishing a company warranty policy. In addition, it’s a good idea to protect your investment by attaching heat tabs to heads and blocks and to let your customers know what they are and where they are located; warranty void if removed! A written warranty will give your customer confidence in your work and can save you money and aggravation by establishing customer responsibility up front.
Steve Rich
Don Gross Warehouse – Sterling Engine Parts
N Kansas City, MO
October, 2023
