Four Harvey Norman franchisees have been fined for misleading consumers about exchanges or refunds for damaged or faulty goods.

The Federal Court ordered fines totalling $116,000 be paid by the operators of Harvey Norman stores in Launceston and Moonah in Tasmania and Hoppers Crossing and Sale in Victoria.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said staff at the stores had told customers the store had no obligation to provide remedies for damaged goods unless they were notified within a short time frame, or no obligation to provide an exchange or refund for faulty goods.

The ACCC is waiting on a judgment in proceedings against six other Harvey Norman stores for similar conduct.