Posted to The Age (23/12/2011) on 25/12/2011 at 1:01 AM (Not yet published by newspaper)
Commenting on "'New' goods scandal: more stores accused"
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/new-goods-scandal--more-stores-accused-20111223-1p80h.html
Some of the defects of returned goods can be detected visually, but it is almost impossible for a salesperson to be a hi-tech, electronic or software expert; and even so, no experts know everything in every field. Processing returned goods is more than a pain, and handling an irate and unreasonable customer returning goods requires the skill of a communication expert or psychologist.
Reselling returned goods as new under the Consumer Laws is definitely deceptive and misleading depending on the circumstance. With high cost of labour, many stores do engage casual workers or minimum staff. It is unfair to expect them to know every single piece of company’s policies.
While many big companies, not necessary the retailers but more so the wholesales or manufacturers can write off the returned goods, many small operators who have no purchasing power may go belly up. If the suppliers are local, all the losses will be passed on to the consumers, and the honest ones will pay for the black sheep.
It is quite selfish to keep pointing our fingers at “greedy” Australian retailers, and increase buying online from overseas. The Government is an accessory to kill off employment opportunity by not imposing taxes on direct purchase from overseas. There is a very simple solution, and not requiring any hi-tech or sophisticated system to collect the millions of dollars
I am only a fair-minded Australian consumer, despite my Chinese name, voicing out on behalf of business operator, large or small, who provide employment to millions.
End of Part 3 of 3
Commenting on "'New' goods scandal: more stores accused"
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/new-goods-scandal--more-stores-accused-20111223-1p80h.html
Some of the defects of returned goods can be detected visually, but it is almost impossible for a salesperson to be a hi-tech, electronic or software expert; and even so, no experts know everything in every field. Processing returned goods is more than a pain, and handling an irate and unreasonable customer returning goods requires the skill of a communication expert or psychologist.
Reselling returned goods as new under the Consumer Laws is definitely deceptive and misleading depending on the circumstance. With high cost of labour, many stores do engage casual workers or minimum staff. It is unfair to expect them to know every single piece of company’s policies.
While many big companies, not necessary the retailers but more so the wholesales or manufacturers can write off the returned goods, many small operators who have no purchasing power may go belly up. If the suppliers are local, all the losses will be passed on to the consumers, and the honest ones will pay for the black sheep.
It is quite selfish to keep pointing our fingers at “greedy” Australian retailers, and increase buying online from overseas. The Government is an accessory to kill off employment opportunity by not imposing taxes on direct purchase from overseas. There is a very simple solution, and not requiring any hi-tech or sophisticated system to collect the millions of dollars
I am only a fair-minded Australian consumer, despite my Chinese name, voicing out on behalf of business operator, large or small, who provide employment to millions.
End of Part 3 of 3
