25th November 2011

WEYMOUTH: Know your rights when it comes to Christmas shopping

TRADING Standards officers are giving Weymouth and Portland shoppers a red alert for Christmas.

They have issued a 12-point guideline to highlight some of the pitfalls people face when buying gifts, food, drink and decorations during the busiest time of the year.

Shoppers are urged to follow simple precautions and sensible tips to avoid problems later and Trading Standards said their number one tip was for shoppers to know their rights.

Officers said that, under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, people can expect goods to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If they are not then they are faulty and the buyer is entitled to a refund provided they return the goods with proof of purchase within a reasonable time after which the trader is entitled to offer to repair or replace faulty goods.

A Trading Standards spokesman added: “Keep the receipt, preferably a till receipt, as you’ll need a proof of purchase to return faulty goods. Also, check goods for faults when you buy them.”

People are advised to shop around to get the best deals and to be wary about “amazing offers” while care is urged when buying from private sellers through classifieds adverts, online or car boot sales because legal rights are limited and there is no comeback if the item is faulty.

Anyone buying mail order or online should make sure the trader gives clear information before ordering, including their name and address, written information about the goods, postage and other charges and a minimum seven-day “cooling-off” period when the buyer can cancel their order without reason and get their money back. People are also advised that there are exceptions to this rule such as CDs, DVDs or computer games where the packaging has been removed.

If the goods or services have not arrived by an agreed date or within 30 days the shopper can ask for compensation or have the option to cancel the contract and send the goods back.

Legal rights also apply when buying in a sale just as they do to normal price goods but if the goods are shop soiled or damaged and this is obvious or pointed out before the sale, then the shopper is deemed to have accepted the defect.

By law retailers cannot refuse to deal with a shopper but, if the goods are not faulty but simply the wrong colour or size, the retailer is under no obligation to take them back.

The spokesman said: “When buying a present, make sure the seller agrees to a refund or credit note if necessary and get them to write this on the receipt.

“Consider using a credit card for purchases over £100 as you can take action against your credit card company if the seller goes bust and the goods become faulty.

“Beware of fake goods especially if you are buying online, at auction sites or from overseas traders, double-check offers and make sure that prices are correct on your receipt.”

For advice, any problems or to make a complaint shoppers are advised to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

WEYMOUTH: Know your rights when it comes to Christmas shopping

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