Caveat Emptor

Caveat emptor is Latin for "Let the buyer beware" (from caveat, "may he beware", a subjunctive form of cavēre, "to beware" + ēmptor, "buyer"). Generally, caveat emptor is the contract law principle that controls the sale of real property after the date of closing, but may also apply to sales of other goods. 

The phrase caveat emptor and its use as a disclaimer of warranties arise from the fact that buyers typically have less information about the good or service they are purchasing, while the seller has more information. The quality of this situation is known as 'information asymmetry'. Defects in the good or service may be hidden from the buyer, and only known to the seller. A common way that information asymmetry between seller and buyer has been addressed is through a legally-binding warranty, such as a guarantee of satisfaction. But without such a safeguard in place the ancient rule applies, and the buyer should beware.

Investing in a ward bed is a new class of investment. Investors are advised to seek independent professional advice before engaging in this class of investment.

Hopefully in good time, this investment class would be rated by investment advisory agencies around the world. At that time, investors can relax a little further, but caveat emptor remains the cornerstone contract principle in all investing.