January 22, 2018
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) returned more than $6.7 million to consumers in 2017, with 15,756 complaints finalised across Queensland.
This includes $676,523 in refunds for consumers in the South Burnett-Hervey Bay region (postcodes 4600-4674) from 793 complaints.
The main areas of complaint were car services and repairs (65), personal and household services (50) and real estate agents (38).
In the Toowoomba area (postcodes 4342-4498), the OFT fielded 1167 complaints and secured $398,886 in refunds.
Across Queensland, car services and repairs (1093), motor vehicle sales (1481), personal and household services (1060) and real estate agents (963) were common sources of complaints.
But the biggest cause of complaints – 2718 in total – related to personal and household goods such as furniture, whitegoods and clothing.
On Monday, Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath commended the OFT on their work.
“I’d encourage all Queenslanders to know their rights,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“If you’re buying online, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully, including delivery times and costs.
“If you choose an incorrect item the trader is not obliged to provide you with a refund or replacement, however many will offer this option as they want to keep their customers happy.”
Ms D’Ath said Queenslanders should also remember that if a product is faulty, they are entitled to a remedy such as a repair, exchange, or refund.
In addition, if a product purchased online is faulty, the trader is responsible for shipping or postage costs, not the consumer.
“While traders are willing to do the right thing most of the time, if a consumer runs into a problem and the trader is unwilling to assist, the OFT is here to help.
“Last year 85 per cent of the consumer complaints conciliated by the OFT were satisfactorily resolved, with $5.4 million worth of repairs, replacements and remedies obtained.”
