Ten Top Tips For 2012

Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is publishing its ten top consumer tips for 2012 for shoppers returning faulty or unwanted Christmas presents and buying in the sales.

 

1. 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 store's policy. Some shops will accept returns as a goodwill gesture.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. Don't be fobbed off by notices such as 'no sale goods exchanged' or 'no cash refunds'. Don’t let the store tell you it’s up to the manufacturer to fix the problem. If the goods you buy are faulty or mis-described then you do have a claim against the trader.

 

5. 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 seven working days of receiving the goods, for whatever reason (whether they are faulty or not).

 

6. 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'.

 

7. Shop around - even a 'massive reduction' doesn't mean you can't buy the same-for-less elsewhere.

 

8. 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.

 

9. You can find a wide range of consumer information and advice, including consumer complaint letters to download and use at the consumer advice website.

 

10. Or, you can If you are still unhappy and want to make a consumer complaint, phone: 08454 040506 or visit the trading standards website.