2633 days ago

Re: Goods Must be of Acceptable Quality

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

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).

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are quality products on the decline?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?

Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!

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Are quality products on the decline?
  • 91.9% Yes
    91.9% Complete
  • 7.2% No
    7.2% Complete
  • 0.9% Other - I'll share below
    0.9% Complete
885 votes
4 hours ago

Appointments available

Nancy from Foot and Nail Services Limited

Hi neighbours,
Just to say the Christmas season is nearly here and if anyone out there is needing their feet tidied up please feel free to text or phone me on 0220451091 for an appointment.
Nancy Yates RN
Footcare Nurse

8 hours ago

Kmart duvet recall

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.

What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.

Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.

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