New South Wales Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts has launched a new campaign which will help protect consumers by identifying traders who are not providing accurate warranty information for their goods and services.
Mr Roberts said consumers are encouraged to submit feedback on manufacturers and suppliers who have not provided accurate or compliant warranty information regarding defects, as required under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
“When consumers buy a product or service, they are protected by an automatic guarantee that the product or service does what you paid for,” Mr Roberts said.
Automatic consumer guarantees apply for a reasonable timeframe depending on the nature of the goods or service, regardless of any other warranties a business offers or sells. They may also apply after the manufacturer’s warranty period has expired.
“Whether it’s clothing, cameras or car servicing, consumers are protected under the ACL,”Mr Roberts said.
“Asking a trader for the warranty information for the product or service you buy should become part of everyone’s checklist when making a purchase.”
In 2012 Fair Trading received 2,997 enquiries and 1,814 complaints in relation to warranties.So far this year, consumers have made 923 enquiries and 761 complaints.Fair Trading has resolved more than 1,500 of these complaints.
“This campaign will not only help consumers, it will ensure traders are reminded of their responsibilities and are operating within the law,” Mr Roberts said.
Mr Roberts encouraged consumers to visitwww.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or emailwarranties@services.nsw.gov.au a photograph or copy of any written warranty that does not contain the following phrase:
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Mr Roberts said Fair Trading will take action to deal with manufacturers and suppliers who are failing to comply with their responsibilities under the ACL.