Buy it for life: brands with lifetime guarantee

It’s the end of a long flight, and you’re waiting at the baggage check, ready to go anywhere that doesn’t require a boarding pass or security check. But your bag slides out onto the carrier and it’s torn.

Now what?

Most airlines will reimburse you for the cost of repairs, provided you go to the baggage claims office before you leave the airport, document the damage and file a complaint. Then you’ll likely get routed to an approved repair shop.

Or, if you own Briggs & Riley luggage, you send your mangled bag back to the company and they will send back a fixed bag, minus the hassle. It says so right in the warranty: “If your Briggs & Riley bag is ever broken or damaged, even if it was caused by an airline, we will repair it free of charge.”

The luggage company is part of only a handful of companies that provide a lifetime guarantee on its products. That’s not simply covering manufacturer’s defects or numerous years of warranty; that’s for life.

Saving – our primary goal at EQ Bank – is not only about cutting costs or avoiding higher prices. One of the best ways to save money, time and/or effort is to make good decisions about where you put those precious commodities.

That’s why this list of products by The Penny Hoarder is worth a look. “You may spend a bit more up front, but quality items — and ones with awesome lifetime warranties — can end up saving you money in the long run,” says the post.

Of the dozen or so products out there that currently offer lifetime guarantees, here are five classics that have always held the lifetime pledge. (Of course, warranties can change, so check with the companies directly before making any purchase decisions based on what we’ve highlighted below.)

Jansport: “If your pack ever breaks down, simply return it to our warranty center. We’ll fix it or if we can’t, we’ll replace it or refund it,” the company says.

Le Creuset: the classic French cookware company’s cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pots are covered as long as you own the item.

L.L. Bean: The founder and namesake of the outdoorsy clothing company, L.L. Bean, said himself that he “didn’t consider a sale complete until goods are worn out and the customer still satisfied.”

Vermont Teddy Bear: The teddy bears sold by this company have health insurance: they can be admitted into the – no joke - “Teddy Bear Hospital” if anything were to happen to them. “We will nurse him or her back to health at our Bear Hospital,” says the brand’s warranty.

Eddie Bauer: The clothing maker considers itself a pioneer in the lifetime guarantee.  "My greatest contribution to the consumer was our 100% unconditional lifetime guarantee. That guarantee was part of what I sold,” said Eddie Bauer in 1920, the same year the company was founded.

And there are, according to the Penny Hoarder, at least 18 other consumer goods that offer lifetime guarantees. So next time you’re looking for a knapsack or teddy bear, choose one for life.

Image: Vermont Teddy Bear Company