2008
Choose the right white goods this bank holiday advices Consumer Direct North East
If you're planning on buying a new fridge-freezer or washing machine this bank holiday, make sure you do your homework and shop around for deals says government advice service Consumer Direct North East.
2nd May 2008
British consumers registered more than 31,500 complaints about large domestic appliances with Consumer Direct last year, two thirds of which concerned defective goods. Nearly 1200 of these were received by Consumer Direct North East.
David Sayer, Head of Governance for Consumer Direct North East and Trading Standards Manager for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said:
'There is a lot of choice in the market so it pays to do your homework, read reviews and look around for the product that's best for you.'
Consumer Direct North East has the following tips for people buying white goods:
- Measure up - make sure you have enough space for your new appliance, and that there is suitable access. If your new fridge-freezer doesn't fit through the door, you won't have an automatic right to a refund.
- Read independent reviews and take recommendations from friends and family.
- When comparing deals, look for price, details of any free manufacturer warranties, and whether fitting is included.
- Check products for energy efficiency and if appropriate water efficiency.
- If you pay by credit card or use finance organised by the retailer, you may have extra protection if things go wrong.
- Think carefully about whether you need an extended warranty - you have statutory rights, and you may already be covered under your household insurance policy.
Further information and advice is available by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
-ends-
Complaints to Consumer Direct North East about large domestic appliances in 2007 No. of complaints
Washing Machines 342
Fridges and Freezers 264
Electric Cookers 127
Gas Cookers 118
Gas Fires 90
Tumble Dryers 73
Washers-dryers (combined) 60
Dishwashers 51
Other 31
Gas Powered Appliances 10
Fixed Heaters 5
Space Heaters 1
Total Large Domestic Appliances 1172
Editor's Notes:
1. 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:
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar, South Tyneside, Stockton and Sunderland
2. 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.
3. 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.
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
