Unless you’ve had need to trawl through the ACCC’s website to figure out the best way to acquire a refund or replacement, it’s unlikely you know the specific ins and outs of our legal system when it comes to dealing with these situations. According to the ACCC, 90 per cent of us fall into this group and, as such, the organisation has launched a new campaign to raise awareness.
Image: David.
As of now, you should start seeing advertisements, online and via radio, pushing the ACCC’s “Consumer Guarantees” — a set of legal guides that specific how far your rights extend when chasing a replacement, refund or repair. It’s in response to a study that revealed only 10 per cent of consumers were aware of their entitlements.
The campaign will be Australia-wide; according to ACCC head Rod Sims, the country has a “single national law” so enforcement is consistent regardless of which state you live in.
“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,” said Sims in the accompanying press release.
Sims points out that “No refund” signs are misleading at best and that you cannot be directed to the manufacturer when seeking help — the retailer must do what it can to aid you.
Sorting out a refund or replacement can be as simple as remembering to keep the receipt, but, it can also be downright frustrating. If you have any personal tales regarding your adventures with our country’s consumer laws, feel free to share in the comments.
ACCC to launch Consumer ‘use your rights’ campaign [ACCC, via Current]
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