Pittwater Life February 2023 Issue

e.g. they don’t work, they
break down or they develop a
serious fault;
n They are not suitable for
their intended purpose; or
n They do not match the
sample or description
provided.
If this occurs the goods
should be returned and the
retailer should refund your
money.
However, you may
negotiate other solutions
with the retailer, such as a
replacement or the repair of
goods.
You are not entitled to a
refund when you change
your mind about a product;
when you knew or should
have known about a fault
when you bought the goods,
for example as ‘seconds’
(however, if a second has
a fault that you were not
aware of, or could not have
discovered upon a reasonable
inspection when the item
was bought, your rights are
not affected); or when you
are unable to prove from
whom and when the item was
purchased.
Also, when you were
responsible for damaging the
goods by not following the
instructions or misusing the
product.
So, next Christmas, as well
as shopping around for the
best deal and inspecting the
goods carefully, remember to
keep all invoices, dockets and
receipts as proof of purchase.
If something goes wrong
you should stop using the
goods, let the retailer know
as soon as possible, and look
after the goods until they are
returned to the retailer (take
along proof of purchase).
If there is a dispute, ask to
speak to someone in charge.
Explain the problem calmly
and clearly to them. If the
goods are left with the store,
get a receipt. If you still have
problems, contact the Office
of Fair Trading.
Comment supplied by
Jennifer Harris, of Jennifer
Harris & Associates,
Solicitors, 4/57 Avalon
Parade, Avalon Beach.
T: 9973 2011. F: 9918 3290.
E: jennifer@jenniferharris.com.au
W: www.jenniferharris.com.au
Business Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
FEBRUARY 2023 67