Remember Your Refunds Rights and Wrongs
Consumers taking back unwanted gifts need to know their rights and when they are entitled to a refund before going back to the shops.
Acting Attorney General and Minister for Justice John Mickel said the Office of Fair Trading receives hundreds of complaints about purchases each holiday season. Common reasons for wanting a refund include poor quality or service, unsatisfactory warranties or misleading advertising or representations by the trader. Consumers are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair if a product is faulty, does not do the job it is supposed to do, does not match the description or sample shown at the point of sale, or does not last for a reasonable time.
Some stores off er a refund or exchange for reasons other than these to generate goodwill and return business. “However they do not legally have to do this,” said Mr Mickel. Most stores require proof of purchase before off ering to refund or exchange on products so make sure you have any receipts or paperwork when returning an item. Signs saying
‘no refunds’ or ‘no refunds on sale items’ are illegal and if consumers see these signs on display they should report it to the Office of Fair Trading.
If you experience problems with a purchase speak to the trader in the fi rst instance, if you are unsatisfi ed with the response contact the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04.”
For more information about refunds and consumer rights download a free copy of How to be Consumerwise at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.
Last Updated: 14/03/2008