When purchasing furniture, many consumers are often confused about the warranty period and what exactly is covered. Due to the lack of clear national standards and weak market oversight, some businesses set up misleading warranty terms to attract customers and gain profit. What are the common pitfalls in furniture warranties, and how can consumers protect their rights? Furniture Warranty Traps Many consumers have reported difficulties when dealing with furniture warranties. Some say that while the contract mentions a 3-year warranty, the manufacturer only covers free repairs for the main parts and excludes accessories or labor costs. Others claim that even if a problem occurs during the warranty period, the company refuses to cover it unless it's clearly identified as a quality issue. This ambiguity leaves consumers in a tough position. In addition, some companies offer vague promises like "lifetime maintenance," but rarely specify the conditions under which these apply. As a result, many consumers end up paying out of pocket for issues that should be covered. Challenges in Standardization and Identification Zhu Changling, chairman of the China Furniture Association, mentioned that there is no unified national standard for furniture warranties. However, in Beijing, consumers can rely on the “Furniture Product Repair, Replacement, and Return Responsibility Regulations†to protect their rights. According to these regulations, serious quality issues within 90 days allow for returns or exchanges, and within 180 days, consumers can choose repair or replacement. Despite this, many companies still fail to clearly state warranty limitations in contracts. Additionally, identifying whether an issue is due to manufacturing defects or improper use is often left to the seller’s discretion, putting the burden on the consumer. Verbal Commitments Not Reflected in Contracts During a visit to a local furniture store, reporters found that some small businesses do not provide written warranty commitments. One salesperson claimed a two-year warranty but later clarified that only quality-related problems would be covered. When asked who determines what constitutes a quality issue, the salesperson said it was up to the company’s technicians. The contract did not include details about the warranty scope, and adding specific clauses was not allowed. This lack of transparency leaves consumers vulnerable to disputes later on. Harsh Terms in Regular Warranties Some manufacturers impose strict conditions on their one-year warranty. For example, scratches, dents, or minor damage are typically excluded from coverage. Even if a problem is considered a defect, the customer may still be charged for service calls. In some cases, wood deformation due to humidity changes is also not covered, leaving the buyer to handle the issue alone. Many brands define “man-made damage†as non-warranty, but none clearly explain what this includes. No Invoices to Avoid Responsibility Most furniture retailers do not provide detailed product descriptions or official invoices at the time of purchase. Instead, they issue receipts or informal invoices, making it difficult for consumers to prove their purchase. Some sellers even avoid discussing after-sales services altogether, leaving buyers unaware of their rights. Industry Standards Need Improvement Zhu Changling pointed out that current laws and regulations have not kept pace with market development. There is a lack of clear guidelines on warranty and maintenance, allowing some companies to exploit loopholes. Consumers also tend to trust manufacturers’ verbal promises without verifying them in writing. This makes it hard to resolve disputes when they arise. It is recommended that consumers keep all contracts and evidence, and if problems occur, first try to negotiate with the seller, then seek help from consumer associations or legal authorities. Weak Cooperation Between Manufacturers and Distributors Wang Jianguo, general manager of Federal Furniture Beijing Company, noted that the furniture industry has a low entry barrier and many unqualified dealers. Some distributors do not provide proper after-sales support, leading to conflicts between manufacturers and customers. Companies that take complaints seriously and address issues promptly can build stronger customer trust and improve brand reputation. Hand Painted Wallpaper，Artistic Wallpaper，Bespoke/ Custom Wallpaper， Handcrafted Wall Decor，Original Artwork Wallpaper Wuxi Ding Guohua Hand drawn Wallpaper Co., Ltd , https://www.silkwallpaperasia.com
Furniture warranty is not regulated, consumer rights protection is trapped
Jc001.load('iframe') JIFrame.create({ 'url' : '/go.php?action=ads&iframeHeight=250&isIframe=1&key=%BC%D2%BE%DF&pos_id=jc001_news_detail_30&reqkey=1&style=margin%3A15px+15px+25px+0%3B+height%3A255px%3Bwidth%3A255px%3B+float%3Aleft%3B', 'height' : 250 })