Being a Smart Consumer

Your rights
Consumers have rights that are protected by the fair trading laws in South Australia when you buy, purchase, hire, or lease goods or services. There are also laws which regulate trading practices. It is very important that you know your rights and know what to do if things go wrong: be an informed consumer that makes good decisions. You can find out more about your rights and the legislation that protects them from the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (visit the web site here). It is advisable to get a copy of the booklet they produce, 'The Smart Consumer'. The booklet outlines consumer rights on page 5 as-  the right to.

·  Honest and accurate information
· A fair and reasonable purchasing contract when you purchase goods and services
· Goods and services that are:
    -of merchantable quality
   -free from faults or detects
   -fit for the purpose, and
   - match the description or sample given
· Redress if you have a problem with something you have bought. Possible remedies include a refund, repair, replacement or resupply of services
· Claim compensation where you suffer a loss caused by a product or service.

Consumer laws regulate things such as licensing of traders; trading practices..; the safety of products sold; the purchase of goods by weight or measure; credit; the licensing of trades and occupations.; and the rental of residential property.

Buying
When you purchasing you should:
· Shop around, ask questions and compare prices
· Check out the terms and conditions of purchase - the refund policy, the warranty and its expiration. Keep the receipts, invoice, docket as proof of purchase
· Find out about the different ways you can pay eg. lay-by, credit
· Obtain detailed written quotes for expensive goods and services like car repair
· Be certain you can afford what you are buying so that you afford debt you cannot manage.
· Be sure the trader is reputable and the goods and services are good quality
· Ask around- some of your acquaintances may have made the same purchase and be able to share their experience with you
· Remember you are entering into contract when you purchase something. If it is a written contract make sure you read and understand it, get legal advice if necessary and keep a copy.

Different ways of buying
· Credit - Credit providers must tell you what your rights and obligations are in any credit arrangement.
· Door to door - Traders must provide you with identification that clearly identifies them, the company they represent and its address.
· Lay-by - When you pay a deposit and agree to pay an amount regularly over a certain period of time.  Common law contract conditions apply to lay-by sales.
· Mail order - You should consider if the price really lower than a regular store would charge, and if it is possible to return the goods and receive a refund and it the goods come with a warranty.
· Television and Internet marketing - Before making any purchases advertised, beware of the highly persuasive sales techniques used.

Returning goods
· Return the goods as soon as possible
· Show your receipt as proof of purchase
· Ensure you have not damaged the goods

Before lodging a formal complaint
· The first thing you should do is to discuss it with the trader, as this may be enough to resolve the problem. If the situation is not resolved then.
· You can contact the International Student Centre for advice.
· You can get advice and assistance about consumer issues and renting from the Office of Business and Consumer Affairs, Chesser House, 91-97 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.  Phone: (08) 8204 9777 for consumer advice; (08) 8204 9544 for renting advice, 131 450 to use the FREE telephone interpreting service (ask to be connected to the Office of Business and Consumer Affairs), or visit the web site link above.
· If the situation is still not resolved the next step is to make an appointment to receive FREE legal advice about taking a matter to the small claims court. Phone: 820424444 or visit the Registrars' Office - Adelaide Magistrates Court 260-280 Victoria Square, South Australia, 5000.