Minerva Cycling, a Belgian bicycle manufacturer based in Ieper, has recently declared bankruptcy. This has left many customers wondering about their rights to warranty on bikes purchased from the company. According to consumer reports received by the ‘WinWin’ program on Radio2, customers who bought their bikes directly from Minerva are no longer eligible for the promised warranty.
The responsibility for the legal warranty lies with the seller, not the manufacturer, as per the law. Customers who purchased their bikes directly from Minerva are now at a loss due to the bankruptcy. In such cases, consumers can file a claim with the curator handling the bankruptcy proceedings. However, the chances of recovering the warranty repair cost are slim, as confirmed by the FOD Economie.
For those who bought Minerva bikes from other retailers, the legal warranty remains intact. Retailers like Hubo are ensuring that customers who purchased Minerva bikes from them will have their warranties honored. However, for customers who bought Minerva bikes through platforms like Decathlon, where the manufacturer was responsible for sales and shipping, the situation is different.
The financial troubles faced by Minerva Cycling, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually led to the company’s bankruptcy. The company’s strategy of high sales volume with low margins, coupled with offering extended warranties, took a toll on their financial stability. The quality of the products did not always align with the lengthy warranties provided, contributing to the company’s downfall.
In light of the bankruptcy, Minerva is organizing pick-up events for customers to collect their bikes awaiting repairs. However, it is advised not to place any new orders through Minerva’s website, as the company’s operations are uncertain. Efforts are being made to take the website offline, but it may take some time.
Overall, customers who bought Minerva bikes from retailers other than the company itself may still have their warranties upheld, providing some relief amidst the company’s financial troubles. It is essential for consumers to be aware of their rights and options in such situations to protect their interests.