CHRISTMAS shoppers are being urged to make sure they get festive value for money by knowing their consumer rights.
The call comes from West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service as part of the Know Your Consumer Rights campaign, which was launched nationwide earlier this year.
The key rules highlighted by the campaign are:
· Goods must fit the description given.
· Goods must be of satisfactory quality.
· Goods must be fit for purpose.
West Sussex Trading Standards is underlining the message this week by displaying posters and making leaflets available in all West Sussex Libraries.
It has also teamed up with Pam Gregory, a consumer rights expert with the Trading Standards Institute, to answers some common festive queries:
Question: Do I have the same rights if I buy something in the sales?
Pam Gregory: Yes. If something is faulty, doesn’t fit the description or is not fit for purpose then it doesn’t matter if it was full price or in the sale – you are entitled to your money back.
Q: What if I’ve changed my mind about something I’ve bought or have received an unwanted gift?
PG: It is up to the individual store whether they want to take back an item or unwanted gifts. My advice is check with the retailer when you buy the gift and consider asking for a gift receipt.
Q: Do I have any rights if I buy from the internet?
PG: You actually have additional rights. You have a ‘cooling off’ period of seven days, unless the gift is custom made. During this time, any order can be cancelled or returned and they must give you a full refund.
Q: If my new gadget breaks on Boxing Day who should give me a refund – the manufacturer or the retailer?
PG: When you buy something your contract is with the retailer and not the manufacturer. If the goods are not up to scratch, it is the retailer who should give you a refund, a replacement or repair the item.
Q: What protection is there for credit card purchases?
PG: If you use a credit card to buy goods or services costing more than £100 and up to £30,000, you may be protected under the Consumer Credit Act.
This says the credit card company is equally liable for any breach of contract. That means they can claim from the trader or the credit card company if a problem arises.
Q: How can I find out more about my rights?
PG: The Government-funded Consumer Direct should be your first port of call for practical help with how to complain.
For more information go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call the helpline 08454 04 05 06.
There’s also a quiz on the website where you can test your knowledge of consumer rights and win £150 of shopping vouchers.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “If you are aware of your rights, you are much more likely to get a fair deal, save money and get the right result.
“This is especially important at Christmas when most people are spending money both on gifts and in the sales.”
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