TV died on us after about 3 weeks of use, What are our options?

KiwiNZ: [snip]

I did answer your bold with "The retailer can propose that and the consumer can reject it."

Fair enough... Clearly then every major retailer in the country doesn't understand the act...

http://www.consumer.org.nz/reports/consumer-guarantees-act/putting-it-right

"If the problem is minor, and can be fixed, the retailer can choose to either repair, replace or refund."

A blown capacitor or broken power switch could render a TV unusable, but is a minor, fixable problem (my example).

http://www.ns.org.nz/21.html

"Putting it right
If something goes wrong, you have the right to insist that the seller fixes things.

Generally speaking, this means the retailer who sold you the goods or services must sort out the problem. If the stitching comes apart on your fairly new shoes, you do not have to track down the manufacturer or importer, you simply take them back to the shop. If they tell you the shoes were never much good, it is their problem, not yours.

However, if you have trouble with the seller, you also have the right to get the shoes fixed elsewhere and claim the cost from the seller. But before you do this, you should try to sort things out with the initial seller. If you get nowhere, tell them - preferably in writing - what you are going to do, and keep written records.

If the problem can not be fixed, or can not be put right within a reasonable time, or is substantial, you can:

Reject the product or cancel the service contract and claim a full refund or replacement. Sellers can not offer a credit note only. If you want cash back, you are entitled to it.
Alternatively, consumers may claim compensation for any drop in the value of the product or service, or claim for any reasonably foreseeable extra loss that results from the initial problem. If your new washing machine does not go properly, you can claim for laundry costs or for the cost of hiring a replacement one while the first one is being fixed."

http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/pdf-library/publications/Your-Consumer-Rights--Goods.pdf

"what is the Consumer Guarantees Act?If the problem is minor the trader must provide a remedy of repair. Or thetrader can choose to replace or refund.If the problem is major, you can reject thegoods and choose between a refund orreplacement. Or you can keep the goodsand seek compensation for the reduction in the value of the goods.In most cases which remedy you are entitledto will depend on how serious the problem iswith the goods, and whether you are seekinga remedy from the trader or manufacturer."

http://www.cab.org.nz/vat/consumer/goods/Pages/Gettinggoodsfixed.aspx

"If the good is faulty (i.e. if you didn’t cause the problem) and the problem is minor the retailer can choose between repairing the goods, replacing them or giving you a full refund. If there is a major problem you can return the goods and demand a replacement or a complete refund."

http://www.business.govt.nz/laws-and-regulations/consumer-laws/retailers

"Remedies provided under the Consumer Guarantees Act include repair, refund or replacement of goods and the cancellation of services."

http://www.turnerhopkins.co.nz/news/consumer-guarantees-act-70/

If a defect is discovered in a good or service, and it is relatively small, the retailer can choose to either repair, replace or refund the affected good or service provided the fault is remedied within a reasonable timeframe. If the defect cannot be restored in a timely manner or the defect is substantial, the consumer has the right to reject the product or service.

And I'm out.

Cheers - N

PaulZA

Talkiet