Know your refund rights before you hit the sales

All Queenslanders are reminded of the importance of knowing their refund rights before spending big at the post-Christmas sales.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said many consumers thought they could refund or exchange unwanted goods they changed their mind about.

“That might not be the case, it is important all Queenslanders know their rights when hitting the shops come Boxing Day,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Unless an item is faulty or doesn’t do what it is supposed to, you are not automatically entitled to a refund.

“However, if you receive an unwanted gift or change your mind on a purchase, some traders will still offer you a refund out of goodwill.

“To avoid the uncertainty, ask stores about their refund and exchange policies before you buy.”

Stores also have a duty to abide by a set of consumer guarantees, in short, the goods you purchase must:

• be of acceptable quality
• match the description, sample or demonstration model you were shown
• be fit for their intended purpose
• not have any money owing on them
• have spare parts and repairs available for a reasonable amount of time after you buy them
• have any extra promises the trader makes about them honoured.

Mr Bleijie said if goods do not meet these guarantees, consumers are entitled to a refund, repair or replacement.

“While traders can put limits on refunds they offer out of goodwill, it is illegal to display ‘no refund or exchange’ signs,” he said.

“The seller is responsible for ensuring consumer guarantees are met, and must not just refer their customers to the manufacturer if problems arise.

“Queenslanders are able to access more helpful information about their consumer rights by easily downloading the Office of Fair Trading’s BuySmartQLD app.

“The app contains all you need to know about your refund rights, guarantees and warranties, and you can access it anywhere, anytime.”

For more information about refunds or consumer guarantees and to download the BuySmartQLD app, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 26 December 2013

Media Contact: Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351