RECEIPTS/ RETURNS/ REFUNDS:
Things you should know
Do you know how important your receipt or bill is? Consumers your receipt is your proof of purchase. It is a legal document. Too often consumers purchase items, encounter problems and then realize that they do not have a receipt.
Do not accept illegal receipts. There are instances whereby consumers accept illegal receipts. Consumers be alert, your receipt should have the following:
- The name and address of the business place
- The date and time of purchase
- The contact number for the business
- A description of the items purchased and their prices
It is a breach of the Adverse Trade Practices Order 2000 to have the words 'no refund' printed on any receipt. You can report any such instances to the Consumer Affairs Division.
An item can only be returned if it is not of merchantable quality. This means that:
- the item is defective and / or cannot function for the purpose for which it was intended, or
- the description of the item that you purchase is false and /or misleading.
In situations where the item is not of merchantable quality, the retailer can:
- give a full refund of the cost of the item,
- replace the item for a similar product,
- repair the item, or
- issue a credit note to the value of the item.
A credit note ties you to purchasing at the same store and may not be your best option. It is recommended that you refuse this method of redress for a defective item, since it ties you to going back to that particular store until you find something suitable, no matter how long it takes. If however the item is not defective and the storeowner is still willing to take it back, he can determine what method of redress to offer. In those circumstances a credit note would be reasonable.
The storeowner is under NO OBLIGATION to take back items that are NOT DEFECTIVE.
Remember, the power is yours!
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