23 December 2023
Editor's note: VNR and grabs found here https://vimeo.com/896056033/5c7f18a5fa
NSW Fair Trading is reminding consumers to know their rights before buying last minute Christmas gifts or while looking for bargains during the Boxing Day sales.
Everyone has the right to purchase safe and fault-free products under the Australian Consumer Law.
If a product is not of acceptable quality, does not match the description, is not fit for purpose, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.
Consumers are reminded for Boxing Day sales, they have the same legal refund rights on sale items as they would have on full-price products.
If a product is on sale because it is faulty, the purchaser cannot claim a refund if they are informed of the fault before purchase.
NSW Fair Trading received more than 7,500 complaints this year for items that were defective, unsatisfactory or where the quality was not as described.
Quotes to be attributed to Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, John Tansey
"The last thing shoppers want on Christmas Day is for gifts to be unwrapped and found to be defective, or for their Boxing Day bargain to be faulty."
“If there is a problem with a sales item you bought, don’t hesitate to return it just because it was discounted. The Australian Consumer Law gives consumers refund rights on sale items just as it does on full-price products.”
"Protections exist to help if things go wrong and make it easier to get a replacement or refund for a product bought in store or online if it is not of acceptable quality or not fit for purpose."
"Retailers have a responsibility to ensure their products meet required standards, but consumers also need to do their own homework before they buy or they might get caught out."
"If a purchase is faulty, you have a right to repairs, replacement or a refund .under The Australian Consumer Law.
"It still pays to shop smart. You can avoid disappointment during the festive season by checking a store's return policy and reading the terms and conditions of online sellers before you click add to cart and keeping a receipt handy if a product isn't up to scratch."
MEDIA: media@customerservice.nsw.gov.au | 0438 108 797
