Tassie firm probe widens

THE two Tasmanian directors of a maligned home appliance business which has garnered hundreds of negative reviews, been featured on A Current Affair and is subject to investigations consumer watchdogs in three states say it is a “difficult time”.

Steel & Water Pty Ltd, formerly registered at an address at Newnham but now registered at Unit 6, Level 1, 111 Macquarie St, Hobart, is behind online retailer Home Appliances Plus (HAP).

A report last week by Nine Entertainment Co stated Home Appliances Plus had been the subject of 119 complaints to NSW Fair Trading in the three months leading up to May this year.

Consumer Affairs Victoria is also investigating the company, the report said.

Tasmania’s Consumer, Building and Occupational Services has also joined in the hunt, after it received 37 complaints this year relating to HAP’s alleged conduct.

“Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) is currently investigating complaints received about delivery and refund issues concerning HAP,” a Department of Justice representative said.

The representative confirmed CBOS was working with other state and territory consumer law regulators investigating the company.

A lawyer on behalf of company directors, Launcestonborn Richard Douglas Edwards, 41, and Devonportborn Ashley Fabics, 45, said it had been a “difficult time” for the pair, whose families have copped vitriol as a result of the company’s negative publicity.

Matthew Williams, of MKW Legal, said the negative customer experiences were due to teething pains and supplierrelated issues. “HAP has serviced thousands of customers and received a significant amount of positive reviews for its service,” Mr Williams said.

“The recent negative reviews have eventuated after a period of substantial growth for HAP. Due to issues with an Australian-based major supplier of HAP, numerous orders were unable to be delivered. HAP has been working tirelessly to deal with such orders and is pleased to note that it has processed thousands of refunds to date either direct to consumer or via Shopify.”

Home Appliances Plus has a 1.2-star average rating on website productreview.com.au from a total of 1918 reviews.

Mr Williams declined to reveal the total number of complaints HAP is facing.