- Cabinetmaker convicted, ordered to pay over $15,000 in fines and compensation
- Took $6,800 in deposits, failed to complete work and kept a rangehood
- Advice to avoid large deposits, insist on written quotes and clear timeframes
A Pearsall cabinetmaker has been convicted and ordered to pay $16,327.24 in fines, compensation and costs for taking thousands of dollars in deposits from consumers and failing to carry out the agreed work, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Charles Patrick Kimber, trading as CK Kitchens and Interiors, pleaded guilty in the Joondalup Magistrates Court to two offences of accepting payment for goods or services and failing to supply them in a reasonable time. Mr Kimber was fined $3,600 for each offence, ordered to pay $8,149 in compensation, and $978.24 in costs.
Between November 2022 and August 2023, Mr Kimber accepted deposits totalling $6,800 from two consumers in Heathridge and Viveash for cabinet‑making work, despite no commencement or completion dates being agreed at the time of payment. He failed to complete any of the agreed work and did not provide refunds, and in one case also took possession of a $1,349 rangehood and did not return it.
Magistrate Maughan described the offences as having a “dishonest taint” and emphasised the need for both personal and general deterrence, stating that consumers are at a disadvantage when traders take deposits and fail to deliver.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said consumers deserved to have confidence that when they paid a deposit, the work would be done.
“This behaviour is akin to stealing. Consumers paid in good faith, received nothing in return, and in one case even lost a rangehood that was never returned,” Ms Blake said.
“We urge consumers to be cautious when paying deposits – if a trader asks for a large upfront payment, that could be a red flag. Only pay what’s necessary, preferably by credit card if possible, to get the job started.
“Make sure you have a written quote and clear timeframes on when the work is to take place, so you know exactly what has been agreed and when the work should begin and be completed.”
Consumers who pay deposits to tradespeople but have trouble getting the work completed, can lodge a complaint on the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Consumer Protection website. For enquiries, email consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.
Media Contact: cpmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au