2008
As it only comes round once every four years, Consumer Direct is providing some special leap year shopping advice for women planning to propose on the 29th.
28 February 2007
Although engagement rings are traditionally offered to a woman by a man, the leap day gives women the opportunity to get down on one knee and offer their man an engagement ring or another item of jewellery as a sign of their commitment and affection.
'Buying that special ring or wristwatch can be an expensive business, so doing your homework and shopping around is vital’ says Michele Shambrook, Consumer Direct’s Operations Manager.
Consumer Direct has put together a list of top tips for all the Juliets looking to sweep their Romeos off their feet with some special engagement bling:
- Shop around and compare quality, price, and service.
- 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) and 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.
Canny romantics may also want to consider the extra consumer protection available when buying online. Legally, people 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 he’ll say yes. However, traders can charge return postage, and there are exemptions for goods that are made to order, engraved, or altered to fit.
For further pre-shopping advice, information on your consumer rights and advice on resolving disputes with shops and traders, Consumer Direct is available Monday to Saturday on 08454 04 05 06 or by visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
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NOTES
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 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 service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
6. Northern Ireland has its own service called ConsumerLine (available on 08456 00 62 62) which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
MEDIA enquiries:
Jean Mackenzie 01851 822300
