' Lemon law - what's that?'

Blank stares, shoulder-shrugs and misinformation.

These were what greeted The New Paper team on Tuesday (Sept 4) when we tested how much sales staff in Orchard Road stores and heartland malls knew about what is commonly known as the “lemon law”.

One thought it referred to packaging, others had never heard of it, and one even accused us of lying.

The "lemon law" was passed by Parliament in March and took effect on Saturday. Under it, sellers are obliged to repair, replace or refund the cost of defective goods reported within six months of delivery.

However, observers have commented that small enterprises may have a more difficult time coping with the law due to a lack of resources.