Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
Plan ahead and know your consumer rights
Queenslanders should start planning now if they are thinking of hitting the post-Christmas sales and stick to a budget.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the Boxing Day sales were a great way to get items for a cheaper price, however shoppers should spend only what they can afford.
"I'd urge shoppers to resist the sales hype and go into the sales with a plan of what they're after and a limit on how much they'll spend," Mr Lawlor said.
"At this time of year, people can easily get themselves into debt they won't be able to pay off later."
Mr Lawlor said it was also timely to remind consumers of their refund rights and responsibilities.
"Following Christmas, Fair Trading always receives complaints about purchases," Mr Lawlor said.
In 2010, Fair Trading received 3900 complaints about refunds which was down from 2009 when 4200 complaints were received.
People are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair if a product is faulty; does not do the job it is supposed to; does not match the description or sample shown; or does not last for a reasonable time.
Shops are entitled to require proof-of-purchase before they offer to refund or exchange products, so consumers should make sure they take their receipts or paperwork with them.
"Some shops offer a refund or exchange if your loved one does not like their gift to generate goodwill and return business. However they do not legally have to do this," Mr Lawlor said.
Consumers are
not entitled to a refund if they:
• knew about a fault prior to purchase
• caused the fault
• change their mind
• choose the wrong size or colour
• find the item cheaper elsewhere
• purchase an item which later goes on sale after the date of purchase.
If you experience problems with a purchase speak to the trader in the first instance, if you are unsatisfied with the response contact the Office of Fair Trading for advice on 13 13 04.
