No Refunds - No Way
No refund signs at shops incorrect
Issue Date: - Friday, 30 November 2007
Reports of retail outlets displaying ‘No Refund’ signs, along with a current prosecution against a clothing retailer who printed ‘No Refunds’ and ‘No Exchanges’ on their receipts, has prompted the Consumer Watchdog to remind consumers and traders of their rights and responsibilities.
“Consumers have statutory rights of receiving redress when goods they buy are faulty, wrongly described, different from a sample shown or do not do what they are supposed to,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.
“Signs in stores, messages on sales dockets or advice from sales staff indicating that consumers never have the right to return goods for refunds or exchange will not be tolerated.
“We are commencing wide sweeps of shops, markets and other sales outlets in search of such practises as well as investigating complaints received from members of the public who feel they have been denied their rights,” Commissioner Walker said.
The free publication ‘Your Rights When Shopping’ which includes a guide on taking goods back, is available on the Consumer Protection website www.docep.wa.gov.au/publications or by telephoning 1300 30 40 54.
‘Our Refund Policy’ signs and stickers suitable for display in retail outlets are also available free of charge for traders. Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au to order.
“By informing customers up front of the circumstances in which they can return goods can avoid confusion and conflict, and also help towards maintaining consumer harmony and customer loyalty,” Mr. Walker said.