2008
Don't let Dad down this Fathers' Day advises Consumer Direct North East
Choosing a gift for Father's Day gift can be hard, but before you run out to buy dad's favourite aftershave, the latest gadget or a new power tool, it's worth brushing up on your consumer rights advises Consumer Direct North East.
6th June 2008
David Sayer, Head of Governance for Consumer Direct North East and Trading Standards Manager for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said:
'Many people put a lot of thought and effort into Fathers Day. Gifts not arriving on time, and goods and services not meeting expectations can be quite upsetting for those involved. Knowing your rights can help you avoid problems in the first place and arm you with the tools to deal with traders if there's a problem.'
Consumer Direct North East has put together the following tips for good sons and daughters:
- Look out for counterfeit goods such as cut price aftershave, alcohol, DVDs, CDs or videos. Counterfeits are illegal and can turn out to be poor quality and potentially dangerous.
- Keep your receipt as you may need to provide proof of purchase if the goods turn out to be faulty.
- Ask about the returns policies but be aware that shops are not obliged to refund or exchange items simply because they're not wanted.
- Don’t leave internet or mail order purchases to the last minute as they often take several days to arrive. Under the Distance Selling Regulations a trader has 30 days to fulfil an order unless you agree a specific delivery date. In either case, if the goods don't arrive on time you can cancel your order and claim a refund.
- When shopping online, make sure that your payment is protected - look for the closed padlock symbol when using the internet.
- When purchasing items costing over £100.00, consider using a credit card as you may get extra protection from your credit card company should problems arise.
- If you're buying gift vouchers be aware that there is usually an expiry date and that retailers may not give change should the goods not equal the value of the voucher. Always check the terms and conditions for details.
Pre-shopping tips and advice on resolving issues with shops and traders is available by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
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Notes to editors:
1. It should be noted that information captured by Consumer Direct is provided as given by the consumer and that no opinion on the truth or verification of facts has been made by the Consumer Direct service.
2. Consumer Direct North East is working in partnership with all 12 Local Authority Trading Standards teams across the North East, offering clear practical consumer advice. This covers the NETSA region (North East Trading Standards Association) which encompasses the following Local Authorities:
3. Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton and Sunderland
4. Consumer Direct North East, based in Redcar, was launched in May 2006. The service is the latest addition to the Consumer Direct network. There are now eleven regional operations in England, Wales and Scotland.
5. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, managed by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered working in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards. It provides clear, practical consumer advice to help consumers resolve problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services.
6. The service is delivered through contact centres across England, Scotland and Wales and is available to consumers via a single, telephone number and the Consumer Direct website (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk).
7. The information and advice helpline is available on 08454 04 05 06 from 0800-1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900-1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
8. To call a Welsh speaking Consumer Direct adviser, telephone 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
9. Calls cost a maximum of 4 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles or other networks may vary. Your service provider may charge a minimum cost per call. The advice and information given is free.
10. Since it was first launched in 2004, Consumer Direct users have saved significant amounts of money through refunds, replacements and repairs.
Media Enquiries: Sue Gungaram T: 01642 495 681
