Modify and you wipe out your warranty

31 March 2015 - 11:14 By Wendy Knowler
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Did you know that changing a plug on an appliance is regarded as a modification and will cancel its warranty?

Mohammed Jadwat found out the hard way. He bought a R269 drill from Makro in Springfield, Durban last September, and returned it a few weeks later when it broke during a small DIY task.

But instead of giving him a credit so that he could buy a more expensive drill, as is his right according to the Consumer Protection Act *, the company insisted on repairing it, he told In Your Corner.

Makro’s response: “We booked in a drill from Mr Jadwat for assessment. It was sent to the supplier where it was found that he had modified the drill by changing the two-pin plug to a three-pin one. This meant that the warranty on the item became void.”

  • “Except where goods have been altered”, the CPA gives consumers the right to return defective goods within six months of purchase, with proof of purchase, for their choice of a refund, replacement (or credit voucher) or repair. The retailer does have the right to send an item away for assessment to rule out user abuse.

Email: consumer@knowler.co.za

Twitter: @wendyknowler

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now