Press releases
28 November 2006
Know Your Rights and Have a Stress-Free Christmas Says Consumer Direct
Brushing up on your consumer rights could help take much of the stress out of Christmas, advises Consumer Direct.
The government funded telephone and on-line consumer advice service is on hand to equip Londoners with the knowledge they need to help prepare for the festive season.
'The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for us all. Knowing your rights can help take some of the stress out of Christmas shopping. And if you’re not sure where you stand when it comes to taking back faulty goods or a gift you’ve had second thoughts about, Consumer Direct is on hand to give you clear, practical advice,' says London Centre Manager, Amanda Elliott.
For those about to embark on their Christmas shopping in London, Consumer Direct suggests:
- Keep all your receipts in case you need to return any purchases. Don’t be tempted to throw them away as proof of purchase is invaluable if you need to return goods.
- If anything you buy – from gifts to a new set of fairy lights – turns out to be faulty, you have the right to claim a repair, replacement or a refund. If an item is faulty, it is up to the retailer you bought the goods from to sort the matter out, not the manufacturer.
- For expensive gifts costing more than £100, think about using a credit card. This way, should problems arise, you will get extra protection from your credit card company.
- If you do use a credit card, remember that you will be charged interest if you do not pay off the balance in full each month.
- Think twice when buying from street traders or one-day sales. These stalls are often set up only for Christmas and you may not be able to find them again if something goes wrong.
- If shopping on the internet, remember to order in plenty of time and double check with the provider that the delivery date will be before Christmas. When buying on-line, you may want to use a credit card to give yourself extra protection.
- When buying toys, always look for suitable age warnings and safety marks – such as the CE Mark and the Lion Mark – on the packaging. Remember younger brothers and sisters may get their hands on toys, so avoid dangerous or small parts coming loose, which could be a choking hazard.
- Beware of cheap imitations. You risk buying low quality or even potentially unsafe products.
- Finally, always remember that if you simply change your mind about a purchase, the retailer is not obliged to offer you a refund or an exchange. Many offer a replacement or credit note as a gesture of goodwill, but this is not a legal requirement.
Whatever the time of year, Consumer Direct can offer advice to consumers in London, give them the tools to shop with confidence and avoid pitfalls. Whether the issue is about returning faulty goods or tackling dodgy workmanship, Consumer Direct trained advisors can be contacted by telephone on 08454 04 05 06 or on-line at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
