Legal measurements
Firewood can be sold either by volume or by description, for example, a truck load, a trailer load or a sackful. Firewood is usually sold as a ‘thrown measure’ – that is as if it were thrown into a container, not as if it were stacked.
When sold by volume the measurement must be metric. It’s recommended that references and advertisements to sales by volume should be in cubic metres (m3). When you buy firewood by measure, the trader should provide you with an invoice stating the true net weight or measure of the quantity delivered.
If you buy by description, make sure you’re happy with the quantity before committing to buy it. You may want to see it first.

Approved measures
When firewood traders sell wood by volume, they should use an approved measure. An approved measure could be a truck, trailer or bin that has been approved and verified as accurate by the Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS). MAPSS’ role includes ensuring that trade is conducted on the basis of fair and accurate measurement. An approved measure for firewood may have a lead stamping plug imprinted with a Crown. It will be marked with its volume in cubic metres, and an identification and certificate approval number.
If a vehicle or measure is approved by MAPSS the trader will have a certificate of approval that can be viewed to give confidence that the measurement is correct. MAPSS can tell you the traders in your area that have a certificate of approval for their firewood measures.

How much do you need?
When you are buying firewood, it’s important to have a general idea of the amount you should be receiving. It’s likely you’ll know roughly what a litre of milk looks like and how many apples you’ll get for a kilogram. Do a bit of research to find out how much you need for a winter.
Shop around to compare prices. Look in the Yellow Pages, your local newspaper or online for local firewood traders and check out the going rate. Ask friends for a recommendation of a reputable source.

Quality of wood
Remember to ask about the condition of the firewood. Wood that is green or wet is poor quality for burning and will lose density as it dries. Also, remember that different types of wood may burn at different rates - so the cheapest wood may not necessarily be the most cost-effective overall.

Making a complaint
If you think you’ve received less firewood than you ordered, don’t use it. Keep the wood in a secure place and contact MAPSS for advice. MAPSS may be able to investigate the complaint.

Article from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs
www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

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