Guarantees

A guarantee is an assurance given by a party, typically a seller or manufacturer, that a product, service, or performance will meet stated standards for a defined period. If the guarantee is not fulfilled, the guarantor normally provides a remedy such as repair, replacement, or refund.

Guarantees can be express or implied. Express guarantees are explicit promises about quality, durability, or results. Implied guarantees arise from law or trade practice and may include conformity to a description, fitness for a stated purpose, and merchantable quality.

In consumer protection, many jurisdictions require certain guarantees by producers or retailers, while others allow guarantees to be defined by contract. The term is often used interchangeably with warranties, though some legal regimes distinguish the two.

A guarantee differs from a warranty in that a guarantee is a broad promise, whereas a warranty is a formal contractual obligation that specifies terms, duration, and exclusions. In practice, the two concepts often overlap.

Common forms include money-back guarantees, product guarantees, and performance guarantees in business arrangements. Guaranties may also appear as bank guarantees or performance bonds in finance and construction.

Limitations and exclusions apply. Guarantees may require proof of purchase, proper use, or timely notification, and they may exclude incidental or consequential damages or restrict coverage by location or product category. International differences in enforceability exist. See also warranty, consumer protection, and bank guarantee.