I, Simon Cohen, the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, issue the following public warning notice, under section 228 of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012, regarding the conduct of ADG Windows Pty Ltd (ACN: 166 098 273) trading as Australian Double Glazing and its director, Mr John Heath, of Montmorency.
I believe that the issue of this statutory public warning notice is in the public interest, given the disproportionately high level of recent contacts from consumers about this business and the high level of consumer detriment evident in these contacts.
Since 1 January 2016, Consumer Affairs Victoria has received at least 49 contacts from consumers about the unsatisfactory services and unfair business practices of Australian Double Glazing.
I am concerned about the increase in contacts from affected consumers, and I am advised that Consumer Affairs Victoria has received 27 contacts in April 2016, a 50 per cent increase on the previous three months.
These contacts indicate that ADG Windows:
- accepted deposits for double glazed windows and doors
- failed to supply the goods within the specified time of eight to 10 weeks, or within a reasonable time, and
- failed to refund deposits to consumers following the non-supply of goods.
Given these contacts, and the matters alleged, I urge consumers to be cautious about entering into any agreements with Australian Double Glazing or Mr Heath. If you choose to engage with this company or Mr Heath, you should specify ‘cash on delivery’ payment as a term of any agreement.
Consumers who paid by credit card and have not received windows they purchased from Australian Double Glazing are advised to seek a chargeback from their financial institution. You should contact your bank or credit card provider straight away, as there are time limits on making a chargeback claim. More information on chargebacks can be found on our Chargeback page.
If you are a consumer who has made an agreement with Australian Double Glazing or Mr Heath, and you have not received goods as agreed or within a reasonable time, you are encouraged to contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.