Shopper shares lesser-known money-saver rule at her local hardware store!

Navigating the cost-of-living crisis is no small feat for Australians, especially for those on a fixed income.

Every penny counts, and when it comes to making purchases for our homes, we expect quality and longevity.

That's why the story of one shopper's experience with a faulty product offered a valuable lesson in consumer vigilance.


West Australian local Kat Dumont purchased a lock box from Bunnings back in May 2023.

She believed that it was wise to invest in a weatherproof lock box for $44.69, which came with a 'lifetime warranty'.

However, the box succumbed to rust, even affecting the keys inside.

'It is so rusted out, even the keys inside are rusted,' she recounted as a frustrated consumer.


compressed-Bunnings (1).jpeg
Bunnings is Australia's top hardware and home improvement store. Image Credit: Bunnings


'I'm like, "What the hell? This was not cheap."

Dumont's disappointment was a sentiment many shoppers could relate to.

However, Dumont's story did not end with the rusted lock box.

Instead, it served as a testament to the importance of receipts.


Armed with a nearly two-year-old receipt, Dumont returned to Bunnings.

'I walked in with my lock and receipt, showed them the listing, and they exchanged. Very simple,' Dumont recalled.

'The lady said she was surprised that the brand was good and that she was also impressed that the receipt hadn't faded.'

'In and out in five minutes. A seamless experience,' Dumont shared.

This story underscored the value of Bunnings' customer service, including a straightforward returns policy.

A Bunnings spokesperson highlighted the importance of keeping receipts to facilitate an easy returns process.


Bunnings' policy, which also complements consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law, lets customers receive a replacement, refund, or repair for faulty products.

'Our Team Members will be able to advise you whether a refund, exchange, repair or replacement is available, and may record your proof of identification when processing a return without proof of purchase,' the Bunnings spokesperson noted.

In a previous article, a Bunnings shopper was able to return her plants to the hardware and home improvement giant.

Bunnings Warehouse has a policy that allows customers to return dead plants for a refund within 12 months.

Watch Kat Dumont's story here:

Source: @katdumont/TikTok

Dumont's experience, which she shared online, resonated with many Aussies who chimed in with their own stories of receiving free replacements from Bunnings.

It's not just about getting what you paid for; it's about asserting your rights as a consumer.

So, keep those receipts in a safe place because you never know when they might save you a significant sum.
Key Takeaways

  • A Bunnings customer replaced a rusted lock box nearly two years after purchase, which highlighted the importance of retaining receipts.
  • The lock box, which cost $44.69 and was marketed as weatherproof with a lifetime warranty, had rusted significantly.
  • Bunnings emphasised their commitment to providing customers with the best experience, including an easy returns policy.
  • Bunnings' returns policy allowed replacements, refunds, or repairs on faulty items.
Have you had a similar experience with a product or a store's returns policy? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
 

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Not just Bunnings, JB Hi Fi receipts are handy to keep on their website. Had an item that didnt' work and that was replaced, going back a while now, but all my receipts for JB's are on thier website.
 
Another thing about Bunnings is if you purchase a plant & it dies if you have the receipt you get a refund regardless of why it died. This is for indoor & outdoor plants
 
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Many years ago I had the exhaust system on my car totally replaced by Penrith Muffler Man, and I kept the receipt. 10 year guarantee. Just on the nine year mark, it broke. I was in QLD at the time. Went back there on a short break. Inquired about it and hey presto, new exhaust system.
 
This advice is a bit like teaching your granny to suck eggs. Most people are aware that retaining receipts is important when making purchases!
 
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Not just Bunnings, JB Hi Fi receipts are handy to keep on their website. Had an item that didnt' work and that was replaced, going back a while now, but all my receipts for JB's are on thier website.
Receipts on JB Hi-Fi's website? What information is contained on the receipt if it wasn't a cash transaction.

Sounds like a scammer's dream!
 
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The receipts offered today fade very quickly, even if kept out of light, & some businesses recommend photocopying a receipt as soon as practicable & keep this with the original.
However, in the case of many legal and related documents, the "original" must be sighted, not a photocopy.

A receipt for goods or services is considered a "legal document".
 
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My advice? Always keep your receipts for the length of the warranty.

For lifetime warranties, you really shouldn't have to keep receipts. But better safe than sorry.

I have had a pen replaced and filing cabinet repaired free of charge. No receipts, because they both had Lifetime warranties. I took the pen to an upmarket shop that sold them. The filing cabinet was fixed at my premises.

That was a long time ago.

I'm still alive, so I'm keeping a close eye on those Lifetime and other warranties....LOL!
 
Last edited:
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However, in the case of many legal and related documents, the "original" must be sighted, not a photocopy.

A receipt for goods or services is considered a "legal document".
The original can be produced after a year but is normally faded to the point they are unreadable, thus the accompanied photocopy.
 
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Photoshop can work too?

I even forged a paper university transcript by repeatedly photocopying it and making minor alterations every time.

Changed a "pass" into a "distinction". That was 1988.
You did not, that is not only illegal but why would you even do it?:eek:
 
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I had a welder go wrong after twelve months of use. When I took the welder back to the Bunnings the item was no longer available, so they gave me the next model up for no extra cost. Very happy with the return policy.
 
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My advice? Always keep your receipts for the length of the warranty.

For lifetime warranties, you really shouldn't have to keep receipts. But better safe than sorry.

I have had a pen replaced and filing cabinet repaired free of charge. No receipts. Because they both had Lifetime warranties. I took the pen to an upmarket shop that sold them. Yhe filing cabinet was fixed at my premises.

That was a long time ago.

I'm still alive, so I'm keeping a close eye on those Lifetime and other warranties....LOL!
We aways photocopy the receipt and staple it to the original receipt with the warranty together. That way there is no disputing the receipt if the original starts to fade. Keeping everything together in a clear plastic sleeve and folder, there is less chance of losing anything if you ever need to use the warranty.
 
We aways photocopy the receipt and staple it to the original receipt with the warranty together. That way there is no disputing the receipt if the original starts to fade. Keeping everything together in a clear plastic sleeve and folder, there is less chance of losing anything if you ever need to use the warranty.
I do the same.
 
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Just photograph the receipt in full, save to an appropriate file and print out when needed. Never fades
Great idea. However, electronic devices are prone to malfunctions, errors, or file corruption. If you wish to save a receipt as an image file, then save it on more than one device and or memory stick. This way if one device fails or you lose the device then you can still recover your files from the device. Cheers.
 
Great idea. However, electronic devices are prone to malfunctions, errors, or file corruption. If you wish to save a receipt as an image file, then save it on more than one device and or memory stick. This way if one device fails or you lose the device then you can still recover your files from the device. Cheers.
Mine are stored on the cloud. All good
 
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