1st March 2010
Shoppers are being urged to brush up on their consumer rights in
a government-backed initiative.
To ensure that shoppers are getting a fair deal, the Department
for Business, Innovation and Skills, Consumer Direct and Consumer
Focus have joined forces to launch the 'Know Your Consumer Rights'
campaign.
The group believes it is vital for every shopper to be aware of
their statutory rights and have come up with a ten-point list so
that consumers know exactly what they're entitled to and what
they're not.
1. Not my style - some might be surprised to
learn that you do not have a right to a refund if you simply decide
you don't like what you have bought.
2. Six month rule - if you make a claim for a
repair or replacement of faulty goods within six months of purchase
it's actually up to the retailer to prove that the goods were not
faulty when sold to you
3. No receipt required - you do not need a
receipt to obtain a refund for faulty goods. However, you may be
required to show proof of purchase with a credit card slip, bank
statement or cheque stub.
4. Online is fine - if you buy goods on the
Internet you also have the right to a seven working-day 'cooling
off' period from the date you receive the goods, with the right to
a full refund regardless of the reason for return.
5. Returning it to the retailer - when you buy
goods, your contract is with the retailer not the manufacturer and
you should always go back to the retailer to make a claim.
6. Fit for purpose - the goods you buy from a
retailer should be fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. If
they are not, you are legally entitled to make a claim for a
refund, repair or replacement.
7. Act quickly - if goods are faulty and you wish
to claim a full refund you must return the goods to the retailer
within a reasonable period of time.
8. Smarter sales shopping - you are not entitled
to a refund on sale goods if you were made aware by the retailer
that the goods were faulty or if the fault was obvious. Also, if
you change your mind about liking the goods you aren't entitled to
a refund.
9. Nearly new -you have similar rights to a
refund, repair or replacement as you do for new goods but remember
that the law doesn't expect second goods to be of the same quality
as new ones.
10. Stick up for your rights - if the retailer
is failing to acknowledge or respond to your consumer rights, in
the England and Wales, you can file a claim (under £5,000) with the
small claims court.
Useful links:
How
to make a good complaint
How to return
faulty goods
Distance
selling regulations
How to
take a claim to the small claims court
Claims Financial
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