The New Year sales have already started! So make sure you know your consumer rights
It seems like the New Year Sales have already started so Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service are providing sales shoppers and bargain hunters with some timely advice to help them survive the New Year Sales.
Trading Standards Officers want to ensure that consumers on the hunt for a bargain avoid ‘too good to be true’ offers, are aware of their consumer rights, and know what to do if things go wrong.
The law controls the way that traders can advertise their bargain offers in the media or in shops, but there are ways in which the law can be side-stepped to trap the unwary consumer.
Bargain hunters are advised to:
Read everything it says on the sale notice or in an advertisement. A sign might read 80% off from a distance, but a closer look might reveal the words ‘up to’.
Shop around - even a ‘massive reduction’ doesn’t mean you can’t buy the same for less elsewhere.
Don’t be fobbed off by notices such as ‘no sale goods exchanged’ or ‘no cash refunds’. If the sale goods you buy are faulty or mis-described then you do have a claim against the trader.
But remember, if the product is labelled ‘shop soiled’ (for example if it is marked on the sleeve or you are given this information verbally, then this may affect your legal rights.
Treat ‘special purchase’ items with caution. If the store has brought them in just for the sale, you have no way of making a price comparison.
If you are sales shopping on the Internet you have home shopping rights that enable you to change your mind and cancel most orders within seven working days of receiving your goods – for whatever reason, as long as you are buying from a trader and not a private seller.
If upon opening the goods at home you find they are faulty or have been mis-described, you are entitled to a refund, as long as you return the goods within a reasonable time, and with proof of purchase. Just follow our guide:
1. Return the goods as soon a possible. If you don’t you may only be entitled to a repair or replacement.
2. Take some proof of purchase with you – a receipt is best, but a bank statement, credit card slip, or other proof of purchase is also acceptable.
3. Try and speak to the manager. Remain calm and polite, but be firm. Describe the problem and what you want done about it, for example getting your money back.
4.If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, put your complaint in writing,
keep a copy, and send it recorded delivery.
5.If you are still experiencing problems, contact your local Trading Standards Service. Warwickshire consumers can contact Warwickshire Trading Standards Adviceline on 01926 414000, or visit our website