All I want for Christmas is something that works

Media release

12 December 2016

All I want for Christmas is something that works

It might be gift giving season, but consumers do not have to accept a product that does not work, is not safe, or is not of acceptable quality, reminds Consumer Protection.

“Sellers have obligations under the law to provide you with a remedy for a faulty product,” says MBIE Consumer Protection Manager Mark Hollingsworth.

“Retailers can’t insist you take up the issue directly with the manufacturer. The law sets out rights and obligations to protect consumers in their dealings with retailers or traders, so it pays to familiarise yourself with them.

“The same is true for services. When you have asked for a service and it is poorly done or has taken far too long, go back to the provider as soon as possible with information on the problem.

“MBIE’s Consumer Protection team has set up a Returns, Refunds & Repairs webpage to help consumers understand what their rights and obligations are when they have bought a faulty product,” says Mr Hollingsworth.

The Consumer Protection website has a host of information and facts to educate consumers about their rights under the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts. Familiarise yourself with the website this gift giving season.

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