Ipswich water company fined $20,000
Posted by editor (editor) on May 01 2009
2009 >>

Water filtration company Love Springs Pty Ltd has been fined $20,000 in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court for misleading Ipswich consumers about the quality of the water supply in order to sell water filtration systems.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said Love Springs had committed serious breaches of fair trading law in order to sell their products.

"Love Springs deliberately misled consumers with stories about local tap water causing cancer and contributing to deformities in babies," Mr Lawlor said.

“Company director Philip John Smart also pleaded guilty and was handed a $5000 fine.

“This outcome demonstrates Fair Trading’s commitment to ensuring door-to-door traders operate within the rules and should be a warning to unscrupulous traders."

Mr Lawlor encouraged consumers to be aware of their rights when approached by door-to-door traders.

Queensland consumers are offered protection from door-to-door traders under the Fair Trading Act 1989.

Door-to-door salespeople must:
• only call on customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited;

• wear clear identification;

• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price, for the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75; and

• offer a 10-day cooling-off period for the sale of goods and services valued at more than $75. During this time no payment, including deposits, can be accepted, no goods can be provided and no work can begin.

The Fair Trading Act door to door provisions provide that if a consumer pays for or receives the goods within the 10 day cooling off period they are entitled to a full refund from the trader within six months if they desire one.

Mr Lawlor said anyone who had general concerns about a door-to-door trader should immediately contact the Office of Fair Trading on 131 304.

For more information on consumer rights and door-to-door trading laws visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:20 PM