Be aware the following information relates to consuemr transactions that occurred before 1 January 2011.  For information relating to transactions made before 1 January 2011 please refer to information relating to the Australian Consumer Law.

You should take care and choose wisely when you are shopping for yourself or someone else.  You will only be entitled to a refund in certain circumstances.

• Refund rights.
• Refund wrongs.
• 5 shop smart tips to remember.
• Refund tips.

Refund rights.

You are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair from the place of purchase if the goods or services:

• have a fault you did not know about at the time of purchase;
• are not as described by a seller or as advertised or promoted;
• do not do the job you were led to believe;
• do not meet the description or sample claimed or shown; or,
• do not last a reasonable time depending on the price and the type of product.

Refund wrongs.

You are not entitled to a refund if you:

• change your mind, no longer want the goods or cannot afford them;
• knew about a fault prior to the purchase or you caused the fault;
• chose the wrong colour, size or shape; or,
• found the item cheaper elsewhere.

5 shop smart tips to remember.

• Shop around and compare quality and cost.
• Set your budget and spend sensibly.
• Know your refund rights and responsibilities.
• Read and save your paperwork.
• Report any problems to the trader first, then contact the Office of Regulatory Services if not resolved.

Refund tips.

• Ask about store policies before buying.
• Keep receipts as proof of purchase.
• If you are buying for someone else, ask if they can return the goods.

A number of stores in the A.C.T. have generous policies in relation to refunds and exchange of goods that are designed to build goodwill.

Traders are not required to display signs, if they do, they must not mislead you about your rights to a refund.  Signs that say the following are illegal and traders displaying these signs should be reported to the Office of Regulatory Services.

• No Refunds;
• No Refund on Sale Items; and,
• No Refund After 7 Days.

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