Using ‘buy now, pay later’ for Christmas shopping? Watch out for late fees
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It’s been quite a year and you may be looking forward to the Christmas holidays, the giving and receiving of gifts and eating of festive food. Without meaning to be Grinch-like, remember this number one shopping tip.
Keep your receipts
Sometimes it’s necessary to return gifts.
The good news is that under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), purchases come with ‘consumer guarantees’ that products and services will work and do what you asked for. Basically, this means you must be offered a repair, replacement or refund if the product is faulty or not fit for purpose, for example, a toy train that doesn’t leave the station or a PlayStation that you can’t play, but not if you just bought the wrong item or a gift recipient doesn’t like it.
Additionally, on top of your legal rights, some retailers may offer a ‘change of mind’ refund or exchange if you later decide you don’t want the item or the gift hasn’t hit the mark. This is usually subject to the goods being returned in new condition within a reasonable timeframe.
Gift recipients have the same rights, as long as they have a receipt. So, if you receive faulty socks this Christmas or just already have enough, you may be able to return them. If you or your gift recipients want to be able to access your consumer rights, keep your receipts.
