ANZIO Digital Savvy Christmas Shopping

by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 01 December 2010

Savvy Christmas Shopping - Lincolnshire Magazine - LincsMag.com

It's important that we know our consumer rights, especially as we go into our usual yearly frenzy when buying Christmas presents.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) conducted research as part of the ‘Know Your Consumer Rights’ campaign with Consumer Focus, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Consumer Direct.

The research showed that many are still uncertain of their entitlements, and three-quarters of UK consumers don’t know that they have an extra right when buying online – shoppers have an extra 7-day cooling off period for most purchases.

It is important that consumers should know their rights in the run-up to the festive season, as the returns and refunds policies are not widely known or considered when making a purchase for many people.

It is predicted £6.4 billion will be spent online alone over Christmas, up from £5.5 billion in December 2009.

Remember:

You have a right for goods that you buy to:

  • FIT THE DESCRIPTION GIVEN – Goods have to conform to the descriptions given to them
  • BE OF SATISFACTORY QUALITY – You have the right for the goods you buy to be safe, work properly and be free from defects
  • BE SUITABLE FOR A PURPOSE – Anything that is sold to you must be capable of doing what it’s meant for.

Consumer Minister Edward Davey said, “There has been a huge revolution in how people buy goods and we are now Europe’s biggest online shoppers, so it’s important we all know what our rights are, both on and offline. What I want are confident consumers who can stand up for their rights and get a good deal. This is especially important when times are tight and everyone wants to make sure they have value for money.”

The 'Know Your Consumer Rights' campaign is being supported by B&Q, Citizens Advice Bureaux and Trading Standards offices distributing nearly 400,000 leaflets, with ASDA giving out nearly 20,000 Christmas posters with their deliveries.

Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager for the OFT-managed advice service Consumer Direct, said: “As Christmas approaches, people are looking for value for money – a savvy shopper that has done their homework before hitting the shops will not only be able to pick up the best bargains but will also be able to resolve any problems with their purchase quickly.

“If things do go wrong, the Consumer Direct website can help you find out what your rights are and gives you advice on what steps you can take to secure a replacement, refund or get the item fixed.”

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TOP TIPS

1. Online is fine

If you buy goods on the internet, you have the same rights as if you were shopping on the high street. In addition, you have the right to a seven day ‘cooling off’ period from the date you receive the goods, with the right to a full refund regardless of the reason for return. Remember though that this doesn’t apply in some situations, for example if the goods were personalised for you, were perishable, or are not in the same condition as when they were delivered.

2. Returning it to the retailer

When you buy goods, your contract is with the retailer not the manufacturer and you should always go back to the retailer in the first instance to request an exchange or refund. If you have a manufacturer’s warranty you can contact them as well as the retailer. And don’t delay – act as soon as you discover the fault.

3. No receipt required

You don’t need a receipt to get a refund for faulty goods. However, you may have to show proof of purchase with a credit card slip or bank or credit card statement.

4. Check at the checkout

Although you don’t have the legal right to take back goods bought on the high street just because you’ve changed your mind, many stores do offer a ‘no questions asked’ refund or exchange policy. Check the store policy when you buy.

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