The National Retail Association (NRA) has urged shoppers to use only reputable and established retailers when purchasing electrical goods, in order to ensure they are protected by consumer laws and guarantees.
Following the recall of the eighth brand of imported “hoverboard” products, NRA Chief Executive Officer Trevor Evans said recent recalls of electrical goods underlined the benefits of shopping from an established, Australian-based retailer.
“No matter what you are buying, you can never be certain that every product will work as you expect once you get it home and take it out of the box,” Mr Evans said.
“That’s where the benefit of using an established Australian retailer – whether on-line or in store – comes the fore.
“If you do finish up with faulty goods – as has happened recently with imported “hoverboard” products – you will be able to rely on Australian consumer laws to arrange for a refund, repair or replacement from a local supplier.
“You will also have a range of legal rights and protections in the event that a product range is deemed dangerous and is recalled by Australian authorities.
“However, if you imported the goods via an overseas-based store, you are not entitled to any of the protections of Australia’s very strong consumer laws. You are completely on your own.”
Mr Evans also warned against buying electrical goods at local flea markets or at pop-up store which may not be around when faulty goods needed to be returned in the future.
“If you shop with reputable and well-established stores, you can be confident that your rights will be respected in the event that you have problems down the track. Picking up an item at a lower cost might be appealing, but you have to ask yourself what price you will pay in the long term.”
Trevor Evans is available for interviews. Contact the NRA‘s media unit on (07) 3240 0163.
The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for around 100 years.