Seller Beware? The boys in New Jersey Are Watching You.
Have you heard the one about the New Jersey-based furniture dealer who got nailed by not complying with that state’s consumer protection regulations?
Don’t wait for the punch line, because this is no joke.
New Jersey has some very specific laws on the book that impact retailers who are selling “household furniture” in that state.
Specifically, the laws require that all furntigure sales over $100 must involve a contract signed by both the buyer and the seller. The print on the contract must be at in least 10-point type; the delivery date must be written into the contract must be written in the day of the sale; and don’t think about using words and phrases such as “all sales final,” “nonrefundable,” or “no cancellations.”
Further, if you sell furniture in New Jersey, you must have your refund policy posted in at least one of the following locations: attached to the item; affixed to each cash register or point of sale, or posted at each store entrance used by the public.
Want more?
The law requires that the regulation covering delayed deliveries must appear on every contract in at least 10-point type. If the seller fails to deliver on the agreed upon date, you must offer the consumer the choice between a prompt refund or the opportunity to receive their furniture at an agreed-upon later date.
And be careful about the delivery! If the furniture arrives damaged, the consumer has the right to demand a prompt full refund.
I’n not here to pass judgement of Jersey law. My understanding is that other states are considering similar regulations.
Ignorance of the rules never exempts you from playing by them.
me commented:
it's not clear if this would apply to used goods- there are bound to be a lot of very unhappy thrift-store vendors out there
B MICHAELS commented:
rUles in n.j.????!!!!
fugetaboutit!!!
warehouse worker commented:
i work in the warehouse and floor of a furniture store and NJ, and we honestly follow none of the above laws/regulations. but hey, they havent caught us yet!
Last one out commented:
Last business owner in NJ turn off the lights as the big pharmaceutical companies and the other exotic elite hate high utility bills!
NJ retailer commented:
Found it:
njconsumeraffairs.gov/brief/buyfurniture.pdf
NJ retailer commented:
Ray,
Thanks for all the great info you provide. I have been unsuccessfully searching the NJ.gov websites for specific info on the laws you mentioned. Can you post a link to the specific info or point me in the right direction.
Thanks,
NJ retailer
motives commented:
Boys in NJ just keep making it harder and harder to do business. My store is on the up and up. We sell all highend lines. Quality furnishings are not WITHOUT issues. This is another way the consumer can have a fight with their husband the night before and take it out on the retailer. What would the manuf. say to us when we call to cancel the order that has been in production for 6 weeks? Where does it end. Between the credit card companies and the price wars we still manage to give great customer service but at what expense?
Billy commented:
If you are a company on the up and up this should not be a problem... if you sell quality furniture - and are honest, this will not be a problem. This does not seem to be any different than other products sold at retail and delivered... If you bought a TV and it was broken, would you not expect to be able to return it? Would you not want to know when it was being delivered? AND how many of us has had a delivery date set - taken time off of work... only to have the company not show... the best will rise to the top and those giving everyone a bad name will go away!
ray allegrezza commented:
it is a shame, espeically if the bad apples spoil the good ones!
Closing down commented:
A few bad apples ruins it for everyone. Glad I'm getting out.
