Issue Date:  -  Friday, 22 July 2005

Dodgy leather jackets

Consumers who were recently duped into buying so-called designer label antelope leather jackets from individuals in car parks and other public places can take steps to have their money refunded as the transactions have likely breached the Door-to-Door Trading Act.

The Consumer Protection Commissioner ordered the examination of a number of jackets purchased in a Belmont car park with one found to be made of sheep hide and the others of PVC.

An independent expert priced the PVC jacket at about $50 wholesale, although it was sold as being valued at $1,100.

“Consumers who are approached in the street are entitled to the protection of the Door-to-Door Trading Act which provides among other protections, that any sale above $50 is subject to a ten day cooling off period, mandatory documentation on consumer’s rights must be provided and no money taken during the cooling off period”, Patrick Walker said.

“Any consumers who have been caught out and have purchased jackets or coats from these individuals are entitled to have their money refunded.

“I am also concerned that the quality of the garments are not what they were sold as and we are considering prosecution for this under the Fair Trading Act which carries maximum   penalties for individuals of $20,000 per offence.

“Consumers should always think very carefully before parting with their hard earned cash to itinerant traders in the street for deals too good to be true, as they usually are”, he said.

Anyone who was approached and purchased jackets or coats needs to contact Consumer Protection immediately for assistance.

Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.