Watchdog hits computer retail chain MSY with legal action over alleged warranty breaches

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken action against technology retail chain MSY, alleging four of its related entities breached the Trade Practices Act.

MSY sells computer parts, electronic equipment, software and laptop computers in more than 25 locations across the country, with plans for several more locations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT.

The ACCC is targeting MSY Technology Pty Ltd and four related companies – MSY Technology (NSW) Pty Ltd, MSY Technology (QLD) Pty Ltd, MSY Technology (SA) Pty Ltd and MSY Technology (WA) Pty Ltd.

The watchdog alleges MSY and the related companies have made false or misleading representations regarding the statutory warranty rights of consumers in notices, price lists, pamphlets and promotional material.

In some cases, the ACCC alleges, these misrepresentations were even printed on receipts given to customers.

MSY has experienced fast growth over the past few years, opening multiple locations in several capital cities and surrounding suburbs. The chain, operated by Andrew Shiau, focuses on cutting costs wherever possible and emphasises its extremely low prices, which change from day to day and can be found on the company’s bare-bones website.

The watchdog is seeking court orders, including declarations that MSY and each of the companies breached the act. It is also seeking “civil penalties, corrective notices, costs, and orders for MSY and each of its related companies to implement a trade practices compliance program”.

The case has been fast-tracked in the Federal Court in Sydney, with an interlocutory hearing set for 16 November before Justice Perram.

Several MSY locations were contacted this morning regarding the story, but no reply was received before publication.