Govt. Watchdog Group Finds Apple Misled Aussies On Consumer Rights

beaverdownunder writes "Apple has agreed to an agreement to ensure staff inform customers of rights under Australian consumer law. Despite the 2011 law requiring retailers to provide a refund option for faulty goods, and free repairs to items reasonably expected to still function properly (this part of the law is intentionally ambiguous), Apple steadfastly stuck to its AppleCare program, denying warranty repairs to units more than one year old (without the purchase of an extension) and only offering replacement or credit for DOA items. Apple has promised to compensate all Australian customers who were charged for repairs during the last two years, and make the terms of the law clear on the Australian Apple website. How this will affect company warranty policy is unclear — under the law, consumers could be entitled to repairs for the life of the product (barring damage, of course)."

Sadly, not the first time

[Camembert]

I have several Apple products and in general I like them. Still it is sad for such premium products that the maker has to be strongarmed into agreeing to local law. The same happened in Europe where (and I think it is reasonable) products such as laptops should have a 2 year guarantee. Perhaps not on Applecare level (which is really good, I had to use it once and was happy with the service quality - a technician came to my home to replace my 27" imac screen panel), but at least a normal guarantee should be expected.
Of course Applecare becomes less attractive if it is just a one year extension and a higher service level. But frankly the products while well made are expensive enough to have the above mandatory local guarantee applied without hassle.

Re:The law will change

[Thanshin]

If Australians want to know why they are constantly charged more for things, this is an example of such regulation.

Australians are charged more for things because charging Australians more for things produces a greater benefit than not charging them more.

Everything else is Stockholm syndrome. It's time to kill the beliefs about the fairness of the world.

Re:Seems like result would be higher price

[moronoxyd]

There's no way a business can afford a longer warranty period without collecting for it somehow.

Well, they could build their products to last at least 2 years, that should drastically reduce the number of repairs/replacements needed... but I know, that's just a fantasy.

Re:Seems like result would be higher price

[AmiMoJo]

Most manufacturers of expensive, premium products offer a longer than mandatory warranty. 8 years on a car, 5 years on my Panasonic TV, 3 years on my NEC laptop. One year says "we don't think it will even last the legal minimum 2 years" to me.

  Of course Apple products are not cheap crap, they just want to gouge you for an extended warranty.