Watchdog in drive for better computer practice
Computer Maintenance and Repairs - 10/07/2006 16:07:18
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is launching a crackdown on computer firms that confuse customers with unclear or unfair requirements in their lists of terms and conditions.
Computer giant Dell has fallen under the watch of the regulator, which found that some of its small print breached industry rules on open-ness and liability and had potentially forced customers to shell out extra cash on computer maintenance and repairs.
The watchdog said the company had erred in limiting the conditions under which it could held accountable, excluding itself from liability for breach of contract and agreements not signed in writing and requiring the customer to take immediate action in notifying it of any mistakes with the order.
"Distance selling, be that by mail, phone or the internet, does not exclude businesses from ensuring their contracts are fair to consumers and compatible with the law," said Christine Wade, director of consumer regulation enforcement for the OFT.
She added: "I'm pleased that Dell has worked with the OFT to modify important aspects of its terms and conditions, such as those relating to time of delivery and liability for faulty goods, in the light of the OFT's concerns."
The OFT said it was satisfied Dell had agreed to improve the transparency of its agreements with consumers and was ready to address concerns over the need to separate terms applicable to consumers from guidelines relevant to business customers only.
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