Warranties can offer real peace-of-mind. However, some warranties are far better than others. At worst, a marginal home theater seating warranty offers a false sense of security. By contrast, an excellent home theater chairs warranty allows one to buy with genuine confidence. Logically, a great auditorium seating warranty suggests that the manufacturer has real confidence in the product that they create.
Reputable manufacturers not only stand behind their products by offering substantial warranties. Such manufacturers have reputations that they want to preserve. As a result, they may be more motivated to stand behind their warranties than less reputable manufacturers might. Finally, a manufacturer has typically worked hard to acquire a given customer, and it is worthwhile to try to make that customer a repeat buyer in the years to come.
What is a Warranty?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a warranty as “A (usually) written guarantee of the integrity of a product and of the maker’s responsibility for the repair or replacement of defective parts.” When it comes to manufacturers’ warranties pertaining to commercial seating, significant differences may arise among the various guarantees.
Why is a Warranty Important?
A warranty will usually detail what is covered and for how long. It also states the remedy that manufacturer will offer in the event of an accepted warranty claim. Some warranties offer pro-rated protection. For example, warranties are usually of this type. If the tire wears out prematurely, the customer only gets partial value back. Some warranties offer “parts only” coverage. A manufacturer may replace the part, but the installation cost remains a burden for the customer to bear.
Furniture warranties are usually different from the aforementioned ones. For example, a home theater seats warranty usually offers a full replacement the event of failure due to defective parts or manufacturing techniques. A chair that breaks due to a defective weld during the warranty period would usually be replaced. Such a defect might be covered by a lifetime warranty.
Common Warranty Rules
A home theater seating warranty will usually extend only to the original purchaser. It will also only apply to seats that have been subjected only to normal use. A purchaser is also expected to perform basic maintenance to keep a warranty in force.
A manufacturer’s warranty is to be distinguished from a dealer’s extended warranty. Such a dealer warranty may, for example, extend the coverage of a one-year warranty to two years or more. These so-called extended warranties may carry additional cost.
Always ensure that you are getting any warranty coverage in writing. Also, carefully store the original receipt with the warranty. The receipt will establish the date on which the warranty period began. It can also prove that you were the original buyer. Also be sure to mail in any warranty card that the manufacturer may want you to fill in. This can simplify the claims process later on.
Rating Warranties: Good, Better and Best
One-Year Warranty: Good
A one-year warranty often covers any defects in materials, workmanship and construction. For example, seat coverings are often warrantied against defect for one year. Remember that coverage does not extend to chairs that have been misused or subjected to negligent treatment. When a legitimate warranty claim is asserted, the manufacturer has the right to either repair or replace the defective seat component.
Five-Year Limited Warranty: Better
Better home theater chairs may come with a five-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship. There is usually a caveat that this coverage only applies when a unit has been subjected to reasonable use. Even the cushioning may be covered in better home theater seating. A warranty claim will usually result in the manufacturer repairing or replacing the defective part or product. In certain cases, the manufacturer can elect to refund the purchase price instead.
Lifetime Warranty: Best
A home theater seats warranty may include lifetime coverage on critical parts. The seat frame, springs and the reclining mechanism may be covered by a lifetime warranty in some instances. It is not likely that the seat covering or cushioning will come with such a warranty, but knowing that the major components of your theater seating will always be covered offers real peace-of-mind.
A home theater chairs warranty has value, just like the seating that you are purchasing. When the price is being evaluated, consider the quality of the warranty as well.
What May Not Be Covered?
A rule of thumb is: if it’s beyond the control of the manufacturer, it will probably not be covered. Therefore, home theater seating subjected to negligent conduct or other misuse will not usually be addressed by a warranty. Accidents that damage seating are also beyond the control of the maker, so you’ll typically not get relief from the manufacturer if your home theater chairs are damaged in an accident.
Also, if seats are incorrectly or inadequately maintained, the warranty coverage may be voided. If chairs are sold for in-home use, but are used for commercial purposes instead, the warranty coverage may not apply. A manufacturer’s home theater seats warranty may also not apply if the item is subjected to other than ordinary residential wear, or if it is used for a purpose for which it was not designed.
Also, an auditorium seating warranty or a home theater seating warranty will not usually cover variations in wood grain, fabric color and dye lots. Wrinkling of seat coverings or softening of seat fillings will usually not be covered. Also, the application of an unapproved fabric protectant may void a warranty. Always ask before applying such a protectant.
In conclusion, pay attention to warranties. They offer peace of mind and substantial savings if a problem does arise. A solid warranty will allow you to relax and to truly enjoy your purchase.
