Have you ever been bamboozled when a shop assistant offers you an extended warrant on your latest purchase? Maybe you’ve bought something online that just doesn’t work when it is delivered to your door. Fear not, the law is at work to protect you.
The Commerce Commission has developed a website www.knowyourrights.co.nz which provides a summary of changes to New Zealand consumer law. The site contains links to law changes relating to online traders, purchase of extended warranties, auctions and door to door sales.
The way we shop has changed greatly over the years, from online to offline, and the law has been updated to reflect this and protect consumers. Key changes include:
Retailers must compare the benefits of extended warranties with protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Online traders must declare they are in trade to ensure consumers are aware of their rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act.
Consumers have new cancellation rights when they buy something as a result of a door-to-door or telemarketing sale.
If you have a problem with something you’ve bought, it’s well worth a visit to www.knowyourrights.co.nz to get the lowdown on what the law says before you go back to the place where you’ve purchased your item.