Shopping & consumer rights: refunds, faulty goods and scams

When you buy goods or services in Australia, the Australian Consumer Law automatically gives you a set of 'consumer guarantees': goods must be of acceptable quality, match their description and do what you asked for, and if something goes wrong the seller must repair, replace or refund. For a major problem you choose between a refund and a replacement; for a minor problem the seller can repair it. But you cannot demand a refund just because you changed your mind. A 'no refunds' sign is illegal. Contact the seller first; if that fails, go to your state's consumer protection agency. The ACCC does not handle individual complaints.