You can try to get compensation when you think the computer or computing device you purchased does not correspond to the agreement you had with the merchant.
The computer you purchase must conform:
- to its description on the contract or the invoice;
- to what was described by the vendor;
- to the advertising in which it is featured.
Examples:
- a merchant cannot pretend a computer features a video card that is fast enough to allow you to play online games when it is not;
- in an advertisement, a merchant cannot indicate the price of a computer and use the photo of another computer that is more expensive and more powerful.
Recourse
The law provides for recourse when merchants fail to abide by their statements or advertisements. But first, try to reach an agreement with the merchant.
To help you assert your rights, various tools are available to you. You can first contact the Office to check whether you can use PARLe, a quick, free service provided entirely online, to try to settle your dispute with a merchant. The Negotiating with a merchant page can also guide you in the negotiation process.
If the negotiation fails, you can send a formal notice to the merchant. The Sending a formal notice page provides details on this subject.
If the merchant fails to respond to the request indicated in your formal notice, you can initiate court proceedings. The small claims court page provides details on the procedure.
You can also contact the Office de la protection du consommateur to inquire as to whether you should file a complaint.
Last update : August 1, 2018
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The information contained on this page is presented in simple terms to make it easier to understand. It does not replace the texts of the laws and regulations.
