2008
Every year consumers across the UK splash out their hard earned cash on cards, flowers and special gifts to give to their Mothers on Mother Day, so Consumer Direct is encouraging people to understand what their rights are if things don’t go as planned.
19 February 2008
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.
Consumer Direct West Midlands Contact Centre Manager, David Hurst 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.
'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 West Midlands is on hand with pre shopping advice and tips on what to do if things go wrong on 08454 04 05 06.
Tips for good sons and daughters
- If you are buying your gift online, don’t leave it until the last minute. Check the website terms and conditions and the delivery timescales as goods make several days to arrive. If the goods don’t arrive within the timescales specified on the website and the occasion has passed, you may be able to cancel your order.
- Jewellery – when buying jewellery, check for appropriate hallmarks to ensure authenticity and quality. Check the store/online traders' returns policy as the item/s are a gift. Some stores may offer a gift receipt service, which may allow your mum to return/exchange items more easily. Always ask before you buy!
- 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.
- Make sure that your payment is protected - look for the closed padlock symbol when using the internet.
- If you are 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.
- 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 or charge a cancellation fee.
-End-
Notes to editors:
Consumer Direct West Midlands works in partnership with 14 Local Authority Trading Standards teams across the West Midlands offering clear, practical consumer advice: This covers the CEnTSA region (Central England Trading Standards Authorities)
Birmingham Staffordshire
Coventry Stoke -on -Trent
Dudley Telford and Wrekin
Herefordshire Walsall
Sandwell Warwickshire
Shropshire Wolverhampton
Solihull Worcestershire
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 to help resolve problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 centres based in London, the South East, the South West, the East of England, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, the North East 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. Minicom users only 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.
Media contacts:
Samantha Scott - Media and Communications Officer 024 76834848
samantha.scott@consumerdirect-westmidlands.gov.uk
David Hurst - Contact Centre Manager 024 76 832374
david.hurst@consumerdirect-westmidlands.gov.uk
