When it’s not right, use your rights: ACCC

February 8th, 2012

Appliance News

If you didn’t already know your rights as a consumer, you will soon. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is launching a media campaign to help people be aware of their rights in relation to faulty products and poor service.

“From Dandenong to Darwin the ACCC is letting people know when it’s not right, use your rights. If it’s not right, consumers are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.

The effort comes on the back of research conducted in New South Wales that revealed only 10 per cent of people understand consumer rights, called Consumer Guarantees, which form part of the Australian Consumer Law.

The same survey found whitegoods topped the list of consumer gripes, as reported on the Appliances Online Blog last week.

“We now have a single national law so that no matter where you shop in Australia you have the same rights to a repair, replacement or refund for a faulty product or unsatisfactory service,” Sims said.

“If products don’t work as promised or don’t work at all you have rights as a consumer regardless of whether you bought it online, in a shop, full-price or on sale.”

The Guarantees apply to new and second products sold through bricks and mortar retailers and online as well as the supply of services.

“Whether you are buying a watch or a washing machine, brand new or pre-loved, at full price or bagging a bargain, consumers can put their faith in the products they purchase, or expect the retailer or manufacturer to fix the problem,” Sims said.

“Retailers cannot have signs or policies that state ‘no refunds’ as they imply it is not possible to get a refund under any circumstance when this is not the case.”

“Retailers also cannot refer you to the manufacturer; they must help resolve the problem.”

“These Consumer Guarantees are rock solid and apply regardless of any manufacturers or extended warranty.”