Consumers and retailers can now refer to a single document which will simply explain their rights and responsibilities for refunds and warranties. The new booklet has been issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
"Consumers rights to refunds or warranties are often misunderstood," Acting ACCC Chairman, Mr Allan Asher, said today. "Warranty and refunds disputes make up a large part of consumer affairs work.
"To whom should a consumer turn if a product doesn't meet expectations? What are requirements of a seller of a new product that fails to meet its publicity? Do retailers have rights too?
"These, and other questions, are examined and answered in a plain-English style in Warranties and Refunds. "Previously, the information contained in this booklet was issued under two separate titles.
"It has been decided that for the users' convenience, the booklets should be combined. "For anyone purchasing new goods, or those selling them, this booklet will assist in understanding where a warranty or refund applies.
"I strongly suggest that businesses - particularly small businesses who can be the 'meat in the sandwich' in warranty/refund disputes - obtain this booklet. It is available from all ACCC offices - which are located in all capital cities and Townsville and Tamworth - and will be available from consumer affairs bureaus. Business organisations can arrange for bulk copies to be made available to members by calling the ACCC publications office on (06) 264 2805.
It will also be available on the ACCC's Internet site http://www.accc.gov.au
"And the best thing about this good advice is that it is free!"
Further information Mr Allan Asher, Acting Chairman, (06) 264 2838 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (06) 264 2808 or (018) 632 526
"Consumers rights to refunds or warranties are often misunderstood," Acting ACCC Chairman, Mr Allan Asher, said today. "Warranty and refunds disputes make up a large part of consumer affairs work.
"To whom should a consumer turn if a product doesn't meet expectations? What are requirements of a seller of a new product that fails to meet its publicity? Do retailers have rights too?
"These, and other questions, are examined and answered in a plain-English style in Warranties and Refunds. "Previously, the information contained in this booklet was issued under two separate titles.
"It has been decided that for the users' convenience, the booklets should be combined. "For anyone purchasing new goods, or those selling them, this booklet will assist in understanding where a warranty or refund applies.
"I strongly suggest that businesses - particularly small businesses who can be the 'meat in the sandwich' in warranty/refund disputes - obtain this booklet. It is available from all ACCC offices - which are located in all capital cities and Townsville and Tamworth - and will be available from consumer affairs bureaus. Business organisations can arrange for bulk copies to be made available to members by calling the ACCC publications office on (06) 264 2805.
It will also be available on the ACCC's Internet site http://www.accc.gov.au
"And the best thing about this good advice is that it is free!"
Further information Mr Allan Asher, Acting Chairman, (06) 264 2838 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (06) 264 2808 or (018) 632 526