"Food Waste Processor Damage Claims Total 750 in 3 Years... Half Are AS Complaints"

Rental Contracts Outnumber Purchases

Consumer complaints about after-sales service (AS) for food waste disposers used in households have been found to be high.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency on the 11th, a total of 750 damage relief applications related to food waste disposers were received from 2021 to June of this year. By year, there were 186 cases in 2021, 194 cases in 2022, and 203 cases last year, showing a continuous increase. This year, 167 cases were received by June, a 60.6% increase compared to the same period last year.

By contract type, rental accounted for 476 cases, more than purchases at 274 cases. Regardless of contract type, complaints about AS accounted for 378 cases (50.4%), more than half, followed by quality issues with 188 cases, contract cancellation/termination with 114 cases, labeling and advertising with 30 cases, and contract non-fulfillment with 28 cases. However, the Consumer Agency explained that while consumers point out product defects when applying for AS, businesses often claim consumer fault such as excessive food input, frequently leading to disputes.

The Consumer Agency advised consumers to first choose a favorable contract type considering their usage habits and circumstances to prevent related disputes. Additionally, it urged consumers to check AS quality reviews and business reputation before signing a contract, keep the contract and warranty certificate carefully in preparation for disputes, and secure evidence when product defects occur and notify the business immediately.