Q: I purchased a fridge from a local seller and upon delivery I paid for the lifter as I live on the third floor of a block of flats. Now this fridge is defective and the trader needs to take it to his workshop to fix it. Since the fridge is still under warranty, as it was purchased less than two years ago, I would like to know who is legally responsible to pay for the lifter?

A: The Consumer Affairs Act gives consumers the right to a free remedy when a product results defective. Hence, if the trader needs to take the product to his workshop to carry out a repair, the trader is obliged to cover all the expenses related to the transport of the product from the consumer’s home to his workshop. In fact, the law clearly states that in cases of lack of conformity the consumer is entitled “to have the goods brought into conformity free of charge by repair or replacement”.

In view of the above, you may insist with the trader that the lifter expenses are paid by him and not you. If he refuses, then you may lodge a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.