2008
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 Scotland.
2nd May 2008
Scottish consumers registered more than 2100 complaints about large domestic appliances with Consumer Direct Scotland last year, two thirds of which concerned defective goods.
Gordon Macdonald, Manager for Consumer Direct Scotland 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 Scotland 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 Scotland on 08454 04 05 06 or visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
-ends-
|
Complaints to Consumer Direct Scotland about large domestic appliances in 2007 |
No. of complaints |
| Washing Machines | 787 |
| Fridges and Freezers | 488 |
| Electric Cookers | 225 |
| Tumble Dryers | 130 |
| Gas Cookers | 113 |
| Dishwashers | 112 |
| Gas Fires | 92 |
| Washers-dryers (combined) | 90 |
| Other | 85 |
| Fixed Heaters | 19 |
| Gas Powered Appliances | 12 |
| Space Heaters | 1 |
| Total Large Domestic Appliances | 2163 |
Editor's Notes:
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. The 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.
3. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisors in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
4. 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.
5. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
6. 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.
7. 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
