Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

What are express warranties?

1. Implicit assurances made by the seller

2. Written promises to provide a specified level of quality or performance

3. General expectations under product liability laws

4. Guarantees based solely on brand reputation

The correct answer is: Written promises to provide a specified level of quality or performance

Express warranties are defined as written promises made by a seller that guarantee a certain level of quality or performance for a product. This type of warranty explicitly outlines the conditions under which the seller is liable for any deficiencies in the product. When a buyer relies on an express warranty, they are provided with reassurance regarding the product's characteristics, functionality, and durability, thereby establishing a legal obligation for the seller to adhere to the specified terms. Understanding express warranties is crucial in procurement processes because they provide clarity and help ensure that expectations are met. Buyers can have recourse if the product fails to perform as promised, which enhances the transaction's transparency and trust. Implicit assurances or general expectations do not carry the same legal weight as express warranties. While these concepts may offer some protection, they are not documented guarantees made by the seller and therefore do not provide the same level of assurance to the buyer. Similarly, guarantees based solely on brand reputation may influence buyer expectations but do not constitute a legally binding promise regarding a product’s quality or performance.