Re: Goods Must be of Acceptable Quality
Goods you buy must be of “acceptable quality”
“A lot of people don’t realise what protections they have when they buy consumer goods from a New Zealand business” says Neil Lancaster of Citizens Advice Bureau Christchurch Area. “According to the Consumer Guarantees Act, those goods must be of acceptable quality. This means that the product must do what you would expect it to, and last a reasonable length of time.”
Neil Lancaster says “The product must be fit for its normal purpose and in good working order, have an acceptable finish and appearance, no minor defects, be safe to use and durable. For example, if you buy a new vacuum cleaner and it doesn’t clean the floor very well, overheats easily or needs repairs not long after the purchase, then it is not of acceptable quality. Also, if you’ve arranged for the business to deliver the product to you, they are responsible for ensuring that it arrives in good working order.”
“Second hand consumer goods that are sold by businesses must also be of acceptable quality, though of course you shouldn’t expect a second hand product to last as long as a brand new one, nor that it will be free of dents or scratches. You do need to take into consideration the age and price of the item.”
“If something you’ve bought from a business is of unacceptable quality, you can go back to the business and the business must put it right”. They have to get it repaired at their own cost, or if it can’t be easily fixed they have to replace the item or give you a refund. The business can’t simply refer you to the manufacturer, require you to return the item in its original packaging, or offer you store credit instead of a refund.”
“Some people think that once the warranty expires then that’s the end of the story, but in fact even if something is out of warranty you still have the same rights under the law. You should expect what you’ve bought to last a reasonable length of time, regardless of the warranty.”
“If you do strike any problems with getting a remedy for goods of unacceptable quality, we can help” says Neil Lancaster “Just pop into one of our three Christchurch locations; Ara (CPIT), Fendalton Library or Hornby Library or call 0800 367 222 (free to call from a prepaid cell phone).
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Update your Covid protection
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
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