How to Analyze and Negotiate Warranties for Goods and Services: A Primer for Lawyers and Non-lawyers Alike

I already had a copy of 'How to Analyze and Negotiate Warranties for Goods and Services ' that was loaned to me by a friend. But after browsing through this book I decided that it was important that I purchase a copy of my own. I have read other books by author Paul Humbert, including those on Supply Chain Management and Contract Negotiation, along with his Invaluable 'Playbook for Managing Supply Chain Transactions'. And with 'How to Analyze and Negotiate Warranties' Mr. Humbert stays true to form with what I call 'The Orange Book', his total knowledge and experience with warrantees and in delivering useful information in a concise, easy-to-read format. Lets face it, warranties are complex and often stressful to Supply Chain Management Professionals. They require not only a complete understanding but also the skills, adaptability and integrity to implement them. With the use of 'how to' primers (i.e. an outline and thorough checklist), this book teaches the reader how to include warranties in a proposal that will ensure absolute clarity and success in a contract. The author's use of case studies also provides a real world study of litigation— how courts perceive and react to warranties. This is extremely valuable to anyone who’s career advancement (or setback) might hinge on the decisions of a judge and/or jury! In short, 'How to Analyze and Negotiate Warranties for Goods and Services’ comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to anyone involved with SCM-- and that certainly means the SCM professional without a law degree.

Paul Humbert has once again turned the complexities of law into an instructive book that would rival a novel for its readability. He has uncovered the kinds of hidden land mines in warranties that someone without legal training could easily encounter (and possibly set off) in the course of normal business. Particularly amusing in this book are the many examples of highly paid legal advisors who have been blown to bits, often taking big companies with them, by treating warranties too cavalierly. The author illustrates his points with “cautionary tales” that make use of a storytelling style that even the fabled Aesop would have appreciated. A worthwhile read for sure.

I like the way the author unmasks the double talk and confusion around warranties… arguably the most important part of any contract. The book explains that you need to understand, not only what the warranties really say and mean, but also what you need to do to make sure you don’t inadvertently void them. The author’s experience and expertise are evident (with numerous endorsements by college professors and people who actually work every day with contracts). The book comes across as authoritative, but not arrogant. I would highly recommend!

The author points out quite correctly that when a product disappoints or a service falls short, it is the purchasing/ SCM professional who gets the call from the client asking about the warranty. Very instructive. The topic is a bit technical and requires focused attention but the stories and quotes make the book quite readable. Quoting from Louis Pasteur the author notes "Fortune favors the prepared mind". How very true.

Not what I expected, but was presently surprised by what turned out to be a very entertaining and informative read. I was expecting a dreadfully dry treatment of a deadly topic, but no - - very readable, plain English and simple explanations of the tricks and traps that warranties can sometimes present. I am not an attorney, but I work with them and I now feel better informed and much more saavy about what warranties say and mean. Indispensable if you deal in contracts either personally or professionally.