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I occasionally wish the ACCC had some more teeth but this is a good result. As a citizen, on the whole, I'm as proud of Australia's strong consumer protection l

• roganartu 8y ago
  The ACCC and strong consumer protection laws are something I didn't realise I took for granted until I moved to the US recently. I had a pair of pants develop a hole within a few weeks of purchase so I took them back to the store and it was difficult to convince them that pants should last longer than that and get a replacement. This is in contrast to my Fitbit, for example, which I had replaced about three times in two years without question in Australia because of a fault in the band. It's interesting that capitalism comes into it somewhat, insofar as companies like Amazon and REI have consumer-friendly return policies as a sort of competitive advantage. I know I've bought things from REI despite a higher price just because I know I won't have any problems returning it for any reason within 12 months.
  • hmd_imputer 8y ago
    That is interesting. In my case, I have had the best consumer-friendly experience when it comes to returning or replacing items in the US. Returning electronics, clothes etc. to Wallmart, Target, BestBuy was totally hassle-free. When compared to Germany, the overall experience in the US is much better. Although Germans have "stronger" customer rights protection, in reality, you get less customer satisfaction. For example, a few days ago I purchased a pair of sunglasses from TKMaxx in Germany. After wearing it a couple of times, I realized that there are tiny scratches on them. I then took it back for a replacement. I was denied the replacement, because "the item didn't have the original price sticker on it". It was such a ridiculous excuse. I tear the price sticker the moment I buy the stuff. How am I supposed to test it to see if I like it without using it at all? There was another friend of mine who wanted to get a replacement for a malfunctioning smartphone he bought in MediaMarkt. He was also denied the replacement in the first place. After a long "negotiations" he was finally given a new smartphone, which, again, would not happen in the US at all. All in all, I find shopping experience in the US to be way better than in Europe.
    • zaarn 8y ago
      You want the receipt to return stuff at the market, though generally if it's not a warranty case then you're at the sellers good will if they accept it. Online shops are a bit better and you can return within 14 days no questions asked. Most of german consumer protection happens at the backend and between shops, not directly with the consumer.
      • hmd_imputer 8y ago
        of course, I had the receipt. Otherwise, they wouldn't even consider replacing them. > though generally if it's not a warranty case then you're at the sellers good will if they accept it. well, that is the problem. A good set of consumer protection laws shouldn't leave the consumer to the seller's good will, don't you think? > Most of german consumer protection happens at the backend and between shops, not directly with the consumer. Whatever that means... Why would I care what happens behind the doors If I, as a consumer, don't see the real-life benefits of it? The thing is, German customer protection laws are just laws with no real implications. As with almost everything else in Germany, there are more exceptions to the laws than the laws themselves, which makes it possible for the stronger side (sellers, renter, contractors etc. ) to find a loophole and exploit it for their benefit. I am not even talking about scammy contracts with internet and mobile companies that would not be possible in any other developed country. A very relevant link: https://twitter.com/FRYTG/status/1023927351514734593 https://twitter.com/FRYTG/status/1023927351514734593
        • zaarn 8y ago
          >A good set of consumer protection laws shouldn't leave the consumer to the seller's good will, don't you think? When you buy in store, the old saying "bought as seen" applies. If I buy some food and find out on the way home that it's spoiled and past date, I can bring it back and likely it'll get replaced but they don't have to. I should have checked. When you buy glasses, check for scratches. For warranty claims you'd need some kind of bigger problem than something that can be considered wear and tear or that was present when bought. The consumer laws are concerned with malicious activity where someone is trying to actively trick a customer (which is where you get silly rulings like vegan sausages not being able to be called sausages as such would imply it contains meat). And don't worry about implications or consequences, when the responsible government offices get riled up they really hit hard. In regards to mobile/internet contracts, it helps to read the fineprint. Additionally if they do make trouble, contacting your local customer rights organization, the contract will get dropped very fast with little complaints.
  • dkarl 8y ago
    American businesses love to bend over backwards for the customer but hate to admit that they owe you anything. If you ask for a replacement almost as if it's a favor, they find it flattering. If you say anything that implies you think they're obligated, they find it threatening, and it will take you much longer to walk out with a replacement (and a much less friendly send-off.)