Top Tips for Consumers this New Year
Want to return that unwanted Christmas present, or bag a bargain in the New Year sales?
Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has all the consumer advice you need.
Many consumers don’t realise, but you have no legal right to return goods bought from a shop if they are not faulty or mis-described, so check the stores policy. Some shops will accept returns as a goodwill gesture.
If a Christmas present is faulty or mis-described, the law says you can return it. Take it back as soon as possible. If you delay, you may only be entitled to a repair or replacement.
You may need proof of purchase, but if you don’t have a receipt, a credit card bill or bank statement might do as an alternative.
Don’t be fobbed off by notices such as ‘no sale goods exchanged’ or ‘no cash refunds’. If the goods you buy are faulty or mis-described then you do have a claim against the trader.
If you are shopping from home, for example on the Internet, you have extra rights and can return most items purchased from UK businesses within 7 working days, for what ever reason (whether they are faulty or not).
Some sale bargains may not be all they seem. 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.
If you want to complain, keep calm, ask to speak to the manager and be clear about what the problem is and what you expect to be done to resolve it.
If you are still unhappy and want to make a consumer complaint, phone: 08454 040506 or visit: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards