Consumer protection act - hardware related

Archer

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This is scavenged from this thread.

You will have the right to return unsafe or defective items within six months of purchase or delivery. You will be entitled to return the item to the supplier - without any penalty, at the supplier's risk and expense - if it is defective or not what you were sold. This is especially empowering in the case of mail order purchases.

And here's the really good part. You decide whether you want a refund, a replacement or a repair - not the company.

If you opt for a repair and it fails within three months, the supplier is obliged to replace the item or refund you what you paid for it.

Most online stores in SA place a big burden on the consumer if an item is defective. You must pay shipping and insurance costs to get it back to them, and heaven forbid it arives there with the box scratched. You can also usually only return it within 7 days of shipping which is ridiculous!

On the other side though, this will probably drive prices up a few percent for the stores to cover costs :(

Sauce

More sauce straight from the act (hope its the right one)

(2) Within six months after the delivery of any goods to a consumer, the consumer
may return the goods to the supplier, without penalty and at the supplier’s risk and
expense, if the goods fail to satisfy the requirements and standards contemplated in
section 55, and the supplier must, at the direction of the consumer, either—
(a) repair or replace the failed, unsafe or defective goods; or
(b) refund to the consumer the price paid by the consumer, for the goods.
 
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On the other side though, this will probably drive prices up a few percent for the stores to cover costs :(

But here is something excellent, the new Competitions act about the price you see is the price you pay with consideration to advertising and price lists. My wifes largest retail brand just informed us that with the new law no agent/store of theirs may sell for more than the selling price displayed on their site.

The term recommended retail price is going to fall away entirely as face it, its so misleading and very frustrating when no store sells at RRP.
 
Notice from my wifes supplier:

URGENT NOTICE
GOVERNMENT COMPETITION ACT

As from immediate effect the South-African Government is starting to
implement the COMPETITION ACT to protect end consumers against
unlawfully inflated prices.
According to this COMPETITION ACT all
companies that provide a service or product must establish and list their
final price to the end consumers.
The product or service may be sold for
less or at a discounted rate, but under no circumstance may it be sold
for more than advertised on the company’s final selling price
column. Inflating or charging more than the “selling price” is punishable
by law.
 
Any chance on getting the actual section of the Competition Act that specifies this?

I have looked but cannot locate it.
I always prefer to go to the Act rather than trust someone's interpretation, too many people are fond of saying "It is the law" without referring to which "Law".
 
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Any chance on getting the actual section of the act that specifies this?

I have looked but cannot locate it.
I always prefer to go to the Act rather than trust someone's interpretation, too many people are fond of saying "It is the law" without referring to which "Law".

Updated the OP for you. No improper interpretation from what I can tell.
 
I downloaded it today, 94 odd pages of legal mumbo jumbo to wade through, but bottom line,it looks basically like if you don't rip people off, nothing to be worried about. Nice to know that if you buy something that is defective, then you are safe. I wonder how this will work with the ton of junk sold on bidorbuy?
 
I downloaded it today, 94 odd pages of legal mumbo jumbo to wade through, but bottom line,it looks basically like if you don't rip people off, nothing to be worried about. Nice to know that if you buy something that is defective, then you are safe. I wonder how this will work with the ton of junk sold on bidorbuy?

I have not read the act buy I don't think I applies to 2nd hand goods sold through classifieds? I know some businesses do sell over BoB. Can any 1 clarify whether the act covers Mr Joe Soap selling his beat up washing machine??
 
Lets hope Telkom gets a big slap for all the **** they pull on consumers.
 
This great news for retailers aswell, as some of the suppliers also has the attitude of we the retailer must pay courier fees to get there faulty stock back.
 
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