Bespoke furniture maker Ben Purchase and his business have been charged over allegedly accepting payment for goods and not supplying them within a reasonable time.
Purchase, 40, of Preston, was formerly the director of Ingrain Group Pty Ltd (ACN 626071449), trading as Ingrain Designs.
We’ve taken action after receiving multiple complaints from consumers that Purchase was accepting money for orders, failing to supply the furniture – items totalling more than $25,000 – and ignoring requests for refunds.
Purchase pleaded guilty in April to failing to comply with requirements to provide us with information as part of our investigations into his business. He was fined $4000.
The latest set of criminal charges allege that both the company, Ingrain Designs and Purchase, as company director breached the Australian Consumer Law. They potentially attract significantly higher penalties.
Director Nicole Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria was committed to cracking down on businesses that did not meet their legal obligations towards customers.
`The Australian Consumer Law provides important protections for consumers who are treated unfairly by businesses’, she said.
`If you buy goods, you have every right to expect them to be supplied to you, and in a timely way. If the business can’t do so, it shouldn’t be taking consumer money.’
Purchase is scheduled to appear for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 August 2024.
To learn more about rights and responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law, go to Products and services.
If you have had unsatisfactory dealings with Purchase or Ingrain Designs, contact us.