A bell tent’s intended use is often ambiguous. They are used in a multitude of different ways, but how the manufacturer presents its intended use is crucial.

‘Intended Use’ is a real buzz phrase that is frequently batted back and fourth between the consumer and the supplier. It runs alongside ‘Fit For Purpose’ – another common phrase made popular since the introduction of the The Consumer Rights Act 2015.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom that consolidates existing consumer protection law legislation and also gives consumers a number of new rights and remedies.

Wikipedia

The mistake most of us make though, is to quote these buzz phrases only after a problem arises. Given the ambiguity of these phrases, it’s important to understand their relevance in relation to a product ahead of the purchase.

The Manufacturer

All bell tent retailers/manufacturers will choose to present themselves and their product in a certain positive light on-line through their websites and various other platforms. You’ll get a good feel for each supplier by comparing their on-line presence. 

However, there is a lot more to manufacturing bell tents than is presented on-line. All of which have an affect on the quality and longevity of your tent. Here follows a deeper question to ask your supplier, the reason why this question is important, what to make of their response and follow up questions to ask.

Q: What is the Intended Use of Your Bell Tents?

Why This Question is So Important

You will need to make certain that your supplier will offer support if things go wrong with their bell tent, particularly if used outside of their intended use.

The images used on the seller’s website should not mislead you into thinking the tents can be used in one way, only to have their warranty invalidated when you use it in the same way.

If they show images of their tents being used in snow, why wouldn’t you assume they could be?!

The Response

If the supplier describes a use that is nothing like the use you have in mind, if there is no mention of the suitability for glampsite use, then some more probing will be required.

Save any written response you get for this question, including email responses. If you get into a tangle with the supplier later, the written responses here will be useful incase of a warranty claim.

The Follow Up

Will the supplier offer you a tailored warranty for the use you have in mind? Try to be as specific as possible – include the dates for your season, invite the supplier to visit your site, offer photographs of the site for their comments on suitability and so on. If you’re not happy with their response, be prepared to walk away.

Consider also these further questions you might like to ask your supplier.