Colin Harding, marketing and special projects manager at IB McIntyre & Co in Maitland, which markets Mackie, Security Pro-Series brands and some international brands, threatened to sue me when I asked about a disclaimer on the packaging of a Mackie lock after I bought one.
The disclaimer read, “While this product will be replaced if defective in manufacturing it is sold without express or implied warranty or liability of any other kind.”
When I queried this, Mr Harding replied, “Many thanks for your support, and input regarding the CPA (Consumer Protection Act) and what seems like an omission of country of origin.
These issues are being addressed and will filter through to the market in due course. In an effort to better understand which product you are unhappy with, could you furnish me with the barcode, so that I can better assist you.”
I didn’t say I was unhappy with the product. But I sent the barcode to Mr Harding and he replied: “I think you may have missed a digit in the barcode you provided (the code is 6002297017444). As you have already previously stated the CPA dictates that an implied warranty of 12 months applies regardless of whether the manufacturer displays one or not, as a reputable company and an ISO 9001
registered company, we most certainly honour our advertised warranties and in terms of the CPA, which are in many if not most cases above market standards, and have been known to even
honour warranties as far as 50 years down the line, even though we were not obliged to and this long before the CPA even existed, hence our brand loyalty and reputation.
“The product you are referring to is made of many materials and although not required by law to state these, it would be cumbersome to include them on the packaging, however if there is a material that concerns you, rather than being vague in your questioning and reference, let me know what it is and I can educate you as to its use. As indicated the essential part of the product you purchased is also covered by the SABS standards specifically designed to protect the consumer amongst others against poor quality products and this mark is displayed as well. Should you experience any trouble with your purchase please be sure to contact us and we will make good on the warranty.
“In closing, you state that my comments are for publication, please be sure that they are quoted verbatim so as not to lose context, and to avoid unnecessary litigation, also please be sure to inform
your publishers to contact me directly for my comment on your article to be published next to yours, their failure to grant us this will lead to litigation against them as well.”
When I asked for clarity, Mr Harding wrote, “I think this has been discussed quite enough and in simple enough English.”
“Their service excellence has become the benchmark of the hardware retail industry,” says their website. Perhaps Mr Harding should use that benchmark when he deals with the media.
Section 56 of the CPA states there is an implied six-month warranty (from date of purchase) on all goods.
Section 51 prevents suppliers from contracting out of the CPA, therefore no matter the product description, the goods are covered under the CPA.
