Do you understand your UK consumer rights as regards faulty goods?
When it comes to faulty goods many people are unaware of
the protection and consumer rights they are legally entitled to.
Shops often take advantage of their customers' uncertainty and
infringe shoppers' rights by avoiding offering refunds, repairs or
replacements.
However, under the Sales of Goods Act covering consumer rights
the seller is legally responsible
to remedy the situation in the event of faulty goods.
The act says that if goods turn out not be of a "satisfactory"
quality* your consumer rights allow you to demand a
refund from the seller (as long it is within a reasonable
time of the purchase). If too much time has elapsed for you to get
a refund then you are entitled to get the item repaired or
replaced for free instead.
Faulty goods are also often covered by the manufacturer's
guarantee, or warranty, but this is in addition to
your automatic consumer rights and do not represent a
get-out-of-jail-free card for the retailer. Your consumer rights
may also extend beyond the manufacturer's guarantee once it has
expired.
*The Sales of Goods Act 1979 requires that the trader sells
goods which are:
1) of satisfactory quality, which includes goods which are free
from minor defects, durable, safe, and of satisfactory appearance
and finish.
2) fit for all purposes made known to the seller at the time of
purchase as described
So to learn more about what consumer rights you are entitled to
when dealing with faulty goods and how to use them please read our
Faulty Goods pages at Claims Financial in the Free Guides
section.
Claims Financial