NSW Fair Trading is reminding consumers to know their rights before buying last minute Christmas gifts or while looking for bargains during Boxing Day sales.
Acting Head of NSW Fair Trading John Tansey said everyone has the right to purchase safe and fault-free products when at the checkout under the Australian Consumer Law.
“The last thing shoppers want on Christmas Day is for gifts to be unwrapped and found defective or for their Boxing Day bargain to be faulty,” Mr Tansey said.
“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 isn’t up to scratch with Australian standards.”
Mr Tansey said businesses could refuse to refund if the customer made a mistake including when an incorrect size or colour of clothing was bought.
“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,” Mr Tansey said.
NSW Fair Trading received more than 13,000 complaints this year for items that were bought defective, unsatisfactory or where the quality was not as described.
“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,” Mr Tansey said.
“If a purchase is faulty, you have a right to repairs, replacement or a refund but if you’re not shopping smart, you might not be protected under the Australian Consumer Law.”
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