Press releases
14 November 2006
Are You Sitting Pretty This Christmas?
Say no to unscrupulous traders selling cheap furniture at your door. This is the message from Consumer Direct during National Consumer Week.
Consumer Direct Yorkshire & the Humber have received a number of calls from consumers that have fallen victim to doorstep conmen selling sofas what appear to at knock down prices. The sofas appear to have been purchased abroad at reduced prices and then sold on in Britain to make a profit.
All furniture has to conform to strict fire safety guidelines and must pass specific tests before they can be sold. It appears a lot of dodgy dealers are disregarding the guidelines and the lives of many families could be at risk.
John Field Yorkshire & the Humber Contact Centre Manager says ‘whilst at first buyers may think they have got a real bargain, no bargain is worth the dangers these sofa’s pose to you and your family’.
John Field goes on to say ‘these salesman are targeting those who may be on a low income who might be looking for a bargain this Christmas so we would urge anyone not to purchase sofas from pub car parks, lay bys or from the back of a van’.
Anyone who has concerns about someone selling goods or offering services at their doorstep can contact Consumer Direct for advice.
Consumer Direct’s Top Tips for Buying Furniture
- If you notice a fault, contact the trader straight away to report the problem. It is the trader‘s responsibility to resolve the problem, not the manufacturer.
- If you visit the trader, take any proof of purchase with you. If you haven’t got a receipt, you can use a copy of a credit card or bank statement as proof of purchase instead.
- If there is a problem with new furniture you’ve bought you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund depending on how long you’ve had the item.
- If you buy furniture or appliances on a credit agreement and there is something wrong with it, it is always a good idea to tell the finance company as well as the trader, as you may have additional protection.
- If the furniture or household appliance is damaged on delivery, write something on the delivery note and request the driver signs it. Although this isn’t essential, it can help if the trader denies the damage was there. Take photos of any damage as well.
- All upholstered furniture, including second-hand items, must meet fire resistance standards.
- You are not legally entitled to a refund if you choose the wrong size or give the wrong measurements or simply change your mind about an item of furniture you’ve bought. So choose carefully!
- Many people order new three-piece suites in time for Christmas, check the delivery date will be in time.
