Issue Date:  -  Friday, 15 October 1999

VJC House of Linen

The Ministry of Fair Trading announced today it wanted consumers who had dealt with an eastern states mail order company called VJC House of Linen to be aware of their rights.

The firm, which sells bed linen and was recently featured on Bert Newton's "Good Morning Australia", has 40,000 outstanding orders.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said the WA Ministry and Department of Fair Trading in New South Wales had been receiving high numbers of calls daily from consumers, who held fears about VJC's ability to make good on their promises of discounted bed linen.

"Fair Trading investigators in the eastern states are looking into the promotional activities of VJC House of Linen as a priority," Mr Walker said.

"This is despite the company's assurances that all outstanding orders will be filled by the first week of November 1999," he said.

VJC has given verbal assurances to consumers with long outstanding orders that they will receive refunds if not satisfied.

"During September and October, Sheridan Australia placed full page newspaper advertisements distancing itself from this venture promoted by operator Michael Knight, who is also known as Michael Kain," Mr Walker said.

"Channel Nine's coverage of the issue on 'A Current Affair' this week has probably generated many of the calls to fair trading agencies," Mr Walker said.

"Consumers should always consider such things as shopping locally and after sales service," Mr Walker said.

"Often local traders will be able to match mail order deals with the added benefit to consumers of the trader being readily available should anything go wrong."

Consumers who have already paid for their purchases from VJC by credit card but have not received their goods may be able to obtain refunds by approaching their banks for a "charge-back".

Dissatisfied VJC customers may wish to consider:

waiting until the first week of November for delivery;
contacting VJC for a refund; or
contacting their bank to arrange a charge-back if they paid by credit card
A range of free consumer information is available from the Ministry of Fair Trading's telephone advice line on 1300 30 40 54 or at the Ministry's web-site at: www.fairtrading.wa.gov.au.

Media Contact:
Mike Winchester
Tel: 9282 0961