Q: We recently purchased an LED television set from a local shop. Before we took the set home, the salesperson at the shop switched it on for us to check it out and it looked fine.

When we installed the TV at our house and switched it on, we noticed that there were white patches visible on a black screen.

These patches were mostly visible in a dark room and when the screen is completely black. This is why we have not noticed them at the shop.

We immediately contacted the seller and informed him about the problem. He told us that it is a common defect and even opened two other TV sets of different brands and both had the same defect.

We feel this does not justify that a brand new TV should have such a defect. What can be done in this situation?

A new product should not have any defects. Hence, unless the seller informed you about this problem before you purchased the television set, legally, you are entitled to a remedy.

In such situations, the law entitles consumers to have the product replaced with a defect-free one or if such a solution is not possible, you may opt to cancel the sale and ask for a refund of the money paid for the TV.

If the seller refuses to provide you with one of these remedies, you may then file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010

Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt

MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm

European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)

47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt