Voucher rip-off

23 February 2015 - 15:00 By On Your Case with Wendy Knowler
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IN THE MOMENT: Mindfulness draws on the traditional breathing exercises used in meditation and yoga
IN THE MOMENT: Mindfulness draws on the traditional breathing exercises used in meditation and yoga
Image: THINKSTOCK

William Rougier of Durban had a query about a voucher for a month’s yoga classes.

Question:  The voucher has no date on it nor does it say that it will expire and, I must admit, it’s been about nine months since I was given it. When I went to redeem it and use their services they told me that they are new owners and that a nine-month-old voucher is too old to be honoured by them. Is that true?

Wendy's Answer: No, according to the Consumer Protection Act, all pre-paid vouchers must be honoured for at least three years. 

That “pre-paid” word is significant, because in the case of vouchers issued as part of a rewards programmed - for example, Exclusive Books’ Fanatics - the supplier has the right to impose whatever validity period they consider to be appropriate.

NEED HELP?

You can contact Wendy Knowler with your consumer issues via email: consumer@knowler.co.za or on Twitter: @wendyknowler

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