2008
‘Don’t keep Mum’, know your rights this Mothers Day
Every year consumers across the UK splash out their hard earned cash on cards, flowers and special gifts to give to their Mothers on Mothers Day. This year, Mothers Day falls earlier on Sunday 2 March.
Friday 22 February 2008
Consumer Direct is encouraging people to understand what their rights are if things don’t go as planned.
The Government-funded helpline and online service is advising consumers across the region to brush up on their consumer rights before buying expensive gifts and gestures for their mums this year.
Head of Governance for Consumer Direct North East and Trading Standards for Manager for Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, David Sayer says consumers need to know what they can do if their bouquet of flowers arrives too late or those relaxing Mothers Day breaks don’t go as planned.
'Many people put a lot of thought and effort into Mothers Day. Gifts not arriving on time, or goods and services not meeting expectations can be quite upsetting for those involved' said Mr Sayer.
'Knowing your consumer rights can help you avoid problems in the first place and arm you with the tools to deal with traders if there is an issue.'
Consumer Direct North East is on hand with pre shopping advice and tips on what to do if things go wrong and can be reached by calling 08454 04 05 06.
Consumer Direct North East: Top Tips for the perfect gift this Mothers Day
- Finding that perfect fragrance may not be easy but beware of street traders selling cut price perfume, DVD’s, CD’s or videos. They usually turn out to be poor quality and are illegal.
- Don’t leave internet or mail order purchases to the last minute. They often take several days to arrive. Check the length of time it takes to be delivered before you buy. Under the Distance Selling Regulation, a trader has 30 days to fulfil the order unless you stipulate a time. If your purchase doesn’t arrive on time and the special moment is over, you can cancel the order. (NB exclusions may apply such as fresh flowers, as they are perishable.)
- Make sure that your payment is protected - look for the closed padlock symbol when using the internet.
- Buying on-line is an increasingly popular way of shopping. If you’re buying jewellery over the web we recommend people use reputable, well-known traders and make sure you get a guarantee of authenticity and quality.
- When purchasing items costing over £100.00, think about using a credit card as you may get extra protection from your credit card company should problems arise.
- If purchasing gift vouchers be aware that there is usually an expiry date and that retailers may not give change should the goods not equal the total value of the gift voucher. Always check the terms and conditions.
- Shops are not legally obliged to take back unwanted goods. Consumers can only return goods if they are faulty.
- If you cancel a special Mothers Day dinner, remember to tell the restaurant. Forget and you are technically in breach of contract – the restaurant could take legal action against you.
-End-
Notes for Editors:
1. Consumer Direct is managed by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council runs the North East service in partnership with Liberata.
2. The service is delivered through 11 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).
3. 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.
4. A Welsh speaking Consumer Direct advisors are available by phoning 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. 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.
Media enquiries:
For further information please contact Sue Gungaram, Liaison & Communications Officer on 01642 495 681
