Consumer NZ warns shoppers about extended warranties

Consumer NZ warns shoppers about extended warranties

A Consumer NZ mystery shop of big-box retailers has found sales staff promoting extended warranties with misleading claims.

Consumer chief executive Sue Chetwin said extended warranties had been a lucrative sideline for retailers but the warranties were of limited value to most consumers.

“Retailers argue it’s worth paying extra for an extended warranty because it gives you ‘peace of mind’ they’ll sort things out if a product is faulty. But in most cases, you’re paying for protection you already have by law,” Ms Chetwin said.

The Consumer Guarantees Act requires goods to be of acceptable quality. “If they’re not, you’re entitled to ask the retailer to put things right. You don’t need to buy an extended warranty to get this cover. Sales staff who claim otherwise are misleading consumers about their rights,” she said.

A Smiths City sales rep claimed Consumer’s shopper would have to fight it out with the manufacturer if a product developed a fault and the shopper hadn’t bought an extended warranty.

Ms Chetwin said the claim was wrong. “The Consumer Guarantees Act provides powerful after-sales protection. If a product isn’t of acceptable quality, the retailer has a responsibility to provide a remedy. You don’t have to go into battle with the manufacturer.”

Ms Chetwin advised shoppers heading to stores this Easter to be wary of claims they should buy an extended warranty when they purchased a new appliance.

Ms Chetwin said the extended warranty sales pitch had not changed significantly since Consumer last sent mystery shoppers into big-box retail stores in 2012. “Back then, sales assistants promoting extended warranties also failed to mention the rights shoppers have under the Consumer Guarantees Act.”

Recent law changes mean anyone who buys an extended warranty now has a “cooling-off” period of five working days to cancel and get a refund. “Retailers have to tell you about this cooling-off period when you’re in the store,” Ms Chetwin said.

Smiths City, Noel Leeming and Harvey Norman outlets were included in Consumer’s mystery shop. Sales reps at the surveyed stores suggested an extended warranty to provide extra cover after the manufacturer’s warranty ended.

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