Describes what is customary in the market for sales and customer support.

One of the most important purchasing decision factors for Guatemalan importers is after-sales service.   U.S. firms, more than other foreign firms, generally have a reputation for providing good service and support.  U.S. firms interested in penetrating the Guatemalan market should make a commitment to offer excellent service and support to their Guatemalan buyers, agents and distributors. This commitment to excellent service and support should also be made clear by the U.S. firm to its local agent or distributor.  Poor or mediocre service often leads to lower sales. The Guatemalan business community is comparatively small and word travels quickly about local and foreign firms that offer poor service and support.

Although after-sales service is not included in the Commercial Code, many representatives, wholesalers and retailers also provide after-sales service and support.

This is particularly common with household appliances, electronic consumer goods, telecommunications and computer equipment, other electronic equipment and industrial machinery. There are no provisions in the law regarding product guarantees.  However, most retailers provide some sort of guarantee that covers problems which occur under normal conditions of use.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.