No nonsense full commercial guarantees

This is our latest list of suppliers offering superior commercial guarantees:

Aplan Ltd. managing director Alex A. Mizzi; general manager Lino Apap. Head office (and outlet): Aplan Centre Birkirkara Bypass, Birkirkara BKR 14, tel: 2148-0590, 2148-0593; fax: 2148-0598; e-mail: admin@aplan.com.mt.

Delta Homecentres. managing director: Maurice Mizzi; general manager: James Rizzo; Head office: The Lyric, Antonio Bosio Street, Msida, tel: 2133-1071/2; fax: 2138-3920;

e-mail: jrizzo@delta.mizzi.com.mt.

Forestals (Appliances) Ltd. managing director: Tancred Tabone; Head office: 110, The Strand, Sliema, tel: 2134-4700/7; fax: 2134-4709; e-mail: info@forestals.com. Website http://www.forestals.com.

Oxford House Ltd. managing director: John Galea; head office: Notabile Road, Mriehel; tel: 2144-2334; fax: 2148-8656; e-mail: info@oxfordhouse.com.mt. Outlet: Notabile Road, Mriehel.

The Phoenix Group. Managing director: Steve Petroni; head office (and outlet): Old Railway Track, St Venera; tel: 2385-2200; Servicing Dept: 2385-2300; fax: 2144-9216;

e-mail:info@phoenixgroupmalta.com. Website:www.phoenixgroupmalta. com.

In accordance with current legislation the above suppliers' commercial guarantees are formulated in at least one of the official languages of Malta. They set out the name and address of the guarantor and they clearly state the permanent address of the place of trade or business.

Moreover they:

1) Clearly state the contents of the guarantee and its duration from the date of purchase;

2) Clearly specify the manner how a consumer is to proceed to make a claim and to obtain execution of the commercial guarantee;

3) Clearly state whether the commercial guarantee may be transferred to others. Unless stated that it may not, this guarantee may be transferred;

4) Provide a clear description of the goods or services covered by the commercial guarantee;

5) Clearly stipulate what the guarantor undertakes to do if there is a defect in the goods or if the services are not properly carried out; and

6) State that the consumer enjoys rights at law that are not adversely affected by the guarantee.

We had meetings with the relevant suppliers to ensure that they comply with the current legislation on Commercial Guarantees. However, over and above their legal obligations, we added some conditions suppliers had to adhere to if they want to retain their inclusion in the list. It proved to be a laborious task but well worth the effort.

The current law only obliges suppliers to inform buyers whether the guarantee is transferable or not. They can choose not to make it transferable as long as they inform the buyer accordingly. However, suppliers on our list must agree to make their guarantee transferable.

With regard to bulky appliances, if the above suppliers' customers come up against faults or breakdowns during the guarantee period, they can call them on the telephone and, should it not be possible to sort the problem out on the telephone, these suppliers will call at their customer's address and there will be no 'call-out' fee charged.

Another important aspect of their guarantees is that these suppliers offer coverage for parts, labour and transport for the full duration of the guarantee period.

So, if you do have a problem with them on the guarantee terms and conditions, write to me. I have spoken with these managing directors/general managers and I maintain a meaningful dialogue with them. Besides, whenever I can, I take my custom to them.

Indeed, last week, I bought a new computer from Forestals (Appliances) Ltd. and I take the opportunity to thank them for their excellent service, particularly Messrs Tonio Schembri and Duncan Busuttil.

With such suppliers offering such guarantees, I see no reason why we should accept inferior commercial guarantees. While encouraging you to make the most of the situation I urge more suppliers to offer full guarantees as we have outlined. They are invited to write to me.