Don’t turn seeking a refund into a boxing match

Queenslanders hunting for Boxing Day sale bargains are being cautioned to know their consumer rights, especially regarding refunds.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) traditionally receives enquiries from consumers seeking refunds or exchanges after Christmas.

“While retailers must abide by the Australian Consumer Law, individual retailers may have differing policies for refunds and exchanges - many retailers are often happy to exchange or refund items but they aren’t always legally required to,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“If you simply change your mind or pick the wrong colour or size, you’re not entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law.

“If you buy a product that is faulty, damaged or dangerous, the retailer must offer you a remedy, such as a refund or replacement.

“Keep your receipts to help streamline the process if you do need to seek a refund or exchange.”

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has the following tips for shoppers:

• Remember retailers aren’t legally obliged to exchange or refund items if you change your mind and different retailers may have different policies around exchanges.
• Keep your receipts and take a photo of them.
• If a product is faulty, damaged or dangerous you are entitled to a remedy such as a refund, replacement or repair.
• If you’re claiming a refund or replacement because the product was faulty, you don’t need the original packaging.
• “No refunds on sale items” signs are illegal – if a product is faulty, damaged or dangerous you are entitled to a remedy such as a refund or a replacement whether it was on sale or not.

More information on consumer and business rights and responsibilities can be found at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Media contact: 0417 675 917

All other enquires: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)