The Office of Fair Trading blog, ‘Ripped Off’, which ran during November and December, revealed some interesting cases of young people’s consumer concerns with returning, exchanging or repairing products they’ve bought.

NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, said she was impressed with the way these young people dealt with their consumer dilemmas and how they used the blog to tell others.

“In many cases they had pursued their complaints with the trader first which is what Fair Trading always advise,” Ms Burney said.

“If they were not happy with the outcome, some had then contacted Fair Trading for advice and assistance.”

Ms Burney said the anecdotes on the blog varied from cases of mobiles breaking shortly after purchase, losing money after buying products over the internet, dodgy car deals and sticky mobile phone contracts.

“One blogger had bought a mobile phone via the internet and had to return it to the seller four times in 12 months with each repair taking up to 15 weeks until it was out of warranty.

“Yet another blogger had a bad experience buying a new car from a dealer. The car had leaking oil, faulty electric windows and water leakage and after two months of problems the blogger managed to negotiate a full refund from the dealer for his dud car.”

A recent YouthScan survey found that government departments are only used as a source of information by three per cent of 10-17 year olds and that 50 per cent of young people rely on personal experience and the experience of friends for dealing with consumer issues.

“Fair Trading will use this information and analyse the stories and anecdotes from the ‘Ripped Off’ blog.

“Case studies to help consumers understand their rights will be developed and the department will look at new ways of encouraging young people to go to Fair Trading for advice.”

Ten people who blogged were rewarded for their contribution with $100 shopping vouchers. They include: Laith Al-Khateeb, Michael Pickford, C. Singh, Julian Baker, Kerry Edwards, Fiona Cheung, Mark Burrows and Emma O’Reilly.

“I encourage those whose cases are still not resolved with the trader to contact Fair Trading for help via the website or 13 32 20,” Ms Burney said.

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