2008
Prepare for rejection on Valentines Day and you could save thousands this LEAP year!
We all know that traditionally the 14th February is Valentines Day and there are many proposals, but this year is a Leap Year and Leap Day falls on Friday 29th February 2008. The custom in England is that a woman may propose marriage to the man of her choice on this date.
6 February 2008
If you’ve booked the table, ordered the flowers and bought the expensive ring - how do you get your money back this leap year if your loved one says no?
Last year, Consumer Direct, the government advice line, received a number of calls from spurned lovers asking how they could get a refund on engagement rings that were no longer needed after February 14th.
David Sayer, Head of Governance for Consumer Direct North East and Trading Standards for Manager for Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
‘If you take an unwanted engagement ring back to the shop, I’m sorry to say you have no rights to an automatic refund or exchange unless you have made an agreement with the jeweller. We’d recommend getting this in writing or making sure that it’s written on the receipt.’
Romantics may also want to consider the extra consumer protection available when buying online. If you buy online you may have a right to cancel the contract, return the goods and receive a full refund if the course of true love does not run smooth.
Under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000, this cancellation right will extend to items such as jewellery and lingerie but not to flowers and chocolates. This is because these products would be regarded as perishable items that the seller cannot restock and resell later. Those buying goods online normally have a right to return unwanted items for up to seven days after delivery – which could be very useful if you’re not sure she/he will say yes. However, buyers need to be aware that there are exemptions for goods that are made to order, engraved, or altered to fit.
If you are sending something to a loved one, the delivery date is part of the contract. It is especially important that you check that you haven't missed the last date for ordering to guarantee delivery by the 14th. You should use a credit card if you are buying something over £100 as this will give you an extra person to take action against if things go wrong.
For many businesses such as florists, Valentine's Day is one of the busiest trading times of the year. Usually, the price of flowers rises in the run up to the day. Retailers and wholesalers can sell any product, including flowers, for whatever price they feel appropriate, so you should always shop around to find the best price before you buy.
Consumer Direct North East has put together the following list of tips for those considering buying jewellery:
Consumer Direct Top Tips - Jewellery
- Shop around and compare quality, price, and service. Shop with well known or reputable companies and if you don’t, do your homework to make sure they’re legitimate. This is particularly important if you’re shopping online.
- Ask for the store's refund or returns policy before buying. And keep your receipt in case of any problems.
- Check for the appropriate hallmark on metal jewellery or for diamond purchases (usually for diamonds of half a carat or more), make sure you are given a certificate.
- Make sure the jeweller writes on the sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem's weight or size.
- If you’re buying jewellery costing over £100, consider using a credit card, as this may offer you extra protection should problems arise.
- If you're shopping online for jewellery look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.
For clear, practical consumer advice call Consumer Direct London on 08454 04 05 06.
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Notes for Editors
1. Each case recorded by Consumer Direct is logged using one of 453 product or service codes, enabling the service to build a picture of the areas causing most concern to consumers. This and other data is then used to inform and focus the resources and work of Local Authority Trading Standards Services and the Office of Fair Trading.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. To call a Welsh speaking Consumer Direct adviser, telephone 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
7. 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.
8. 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
