Bargain Hunters Beware!
Whatever the post Christmas and New Year period holds for you – be prepared. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or have an unwanted present to return, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service has the advice you need.
Bargain Hunters watch out for those ‘too good to be true’ offers. The law controls the way that traders can advertise their bargain offers but there are ways in which the law can be side-stepped to trap the unwary consumer.
Bargain hunters are advised to:
Read all 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’ or ‘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 imported them just for the sale, you have no way of making a price comparison.
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:
Return the goods as soon a possible. If you don’t you may only be entitled to a repair or replacement.
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.
Remain calm and try and speak to the manager.
If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, put your complaint in writing, keep a copy, and send it recorded delivery.
If you are still experiencing problems, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Unwanted Christmas gifts?
There is no statutory right to return goods that are not faulty if they were bought from a shop. However, if you think the person you are buying the present for may need to return it insist that they write it on your receipt (for example, ‘cash refunds for unwanted Christmas gifts’).
When shopping from home, for example on the internet, you do have additional rights. The Distance Selling Regulations give you the right to change your mind and cancel most orders (with some exceptions e.g sealed audio or video recordings or computer software that have been opened) within seven working days (seven working days after the day on which the goods are received by the buyer). But of course, it may be too late to return an unwanted online purchased present, unless the goods were delivered shortly before Christmas day so check the returns policy carefully.