Caveat Emptor or Caveat Venditor (The Defective Automobile)
This article discusses how the individual need not be the effect of that old saw,
Lets look at two ancient opposing concepts that directly affect you, the buyer of an automobile. Sorry about the Latin but this gives you an idea of how long these ideas have been around. They are:
� Caveat Emptor
� Caveat Venditor
The definition of the Latin words, Caveat Emptor are stated thus: �The axiom or principle in commerce that the buyer alone is responsible for assessing the quality of a purchase before buying.� We know it colloquially as, �let the buyer beware.� More simply, if you don�t check the quality of what you buy, you, not the seller, are going to get stuck with whatever defects occur.
The other concept is Caveat Venditor. The translation of this is; �let the seller beware�.
In more modern terms this says that within the limits of current law, the seller is very definitely at risk if they sell you a product with defects.
These two concepts have been going in and out of favor over time as mercantile societies and viewpoints change.
These days the pendulum has swung to the side of Caveat Venditor. What is surprising is how many people still act as though Caveat Emptor is the rule. Practically every day we see large corporations get away with the most despicable behavior. They show a truly disgusting
disregard for their customers. When faced with opposing Ford Motor Company or Chrysler for example, it is easy to see how a more na�ve buyer might think, what chance do I have against giants such as these?
In a time when one was buying bolts of cloth or potatoes from a pushcart, it was much easier for the buyer to inspect the goods. From a judicial viewpoint, the judge could say, it�s your responsibility to check the whole bushel of wheat, not just the top two inches. That was then. It is hardly equitable in 2003 to ask the average car buyer to disassemble his new SUV, down to the 15000 parts it is comprised of and inspect each one, and at the same time have some idea of what he or she is inspecting.
Buyers shouldn�t wait until they are literally sick with frustration to seek the benefits of Caveat Venditor. If you have a defective automobile, motorcycle or motor home, read the basic rules on what constitutes a warranty case. Find and experienced Lemon Law Attorney and make the seller seriously beware.
About the Author
Mr. Ladew has traveled and worked all over the world. He spent many years as an aerospace engineer. He works as a technical writer and trainer. Mr. Ladew is also a novelist (2 books published), writes articles, essays, short stories and Haiku. he has also written a best selling business book for mid-level supervisors.
Written by: Donald Ladew
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