A strange message appeared on Micromania-Zing’s Twitter account this morning. The latter explains that the sign was condemned for “questionable commercial practices”, thus warning its potential customers. The store was pinned after an investigation into its warranty extensions.
“Administrative injunction measure against the company Micromania-Zing to put an end to questionable commercial practices in terms of guarantees following a national investigation which led to the finding of various breaches and infringements in terms of the legal guarantee of conformity and commercial guarantees ”. It is with this long sentence that begins the press release posted this morning by Micromania-Zing on its social networks, which can also be found in the banner of its official website.
What exactly is the brand criticized for? For some time now, Micromania, known among other things for buying back its customers’ equipment in cash, has been offering its customers a warranty extension for any product purchase in his store. Naturally, the user may think that it is the company itself which supports this offer. In fact, the latter is supported by an insurance broker, partner of Micromania in the scheme. Either, one might think, that ultimately does not change much.
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Micromania condemned by justice because of its extended guarantees
Only here, if the extension is not activated in the fifteen days following the purchase, the customer will still pay for the service. The Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations of the Alpes-Maritimes also explains the process used by Micromania-Zing:
- ” to present confusing information on consumer rights[…]“;
- “to falsely present a guarantee called “extended guarantee” as a commercial guarantee offered and sold by “Micromania”, when it turns out to be an insurance product managed by an insurance broker “;
- “to restrict the rights of consumers by imposing, within the framework of the terms and content of the legal guarantee, obligations not provided for in the legal texts […] activation on the site within 15 days of purchasing it in store“.
Practices that“Mislead consumers about their warranty rights and the scope of Micromania’s commitments”,concludes the authority. As a sanction, the brand must therefore publicly display this message on its channels for an indefinite period. So be careful if you decide to do your shopping there for Christmas, or to rent a next-gen console.
