New Legal Eagle Column by Dean Durham.
Consumer champion & legal expert from
www.youandyourrights.co.uk
Christmas Shopping Consumer Bootcamp
Here’s what you need to know when shopping in store and online (in relation to buying goods – which is basically something that you can ‘physically hold’ as opposed to something being off ered as a ‘service’).
Your basic rights Any goods that you buy, whether on the high street, or online must fi t the description given, be of satisfactory quality and be fi t for the purpose they are intended to be used for. If they are not, you can claim against the retailer and may be entitled to a refund, repair or replacement. So for example: •
If you buy a silver kettle and fi nd that it is black when you take it out of the box, you can return it and get a refund or replacement. This is because it does not fi t the description; or
• •
If you buy a jumper and fi nd that it has a hole in the sleeve you have the right to get a refund or a replacement. This is because it is not ‘of satisfactory quality’.
If you buy a new charger for your iphone4 but it turns out to have the wrong connection and therefore does not fi t your iphone, you can get a refund or replacement. This is because it is ‘not fi t for purpose’.
Check the store’s returns policies Many stores will off er generous returns policies but these may diff er so make sure you check whether refunds, exchanges or credit notes are available and how long you have to return goods. Remember, you don’t automatically have the right to return unwanted presents.
Gift receipts If you are buying for someone else, make sure
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you ask for a gift receipt. These are designed to enable the gift recipient to return the goods or make a claim against the retailer if something is wrong.
Precautions when buying online When buying online take these simple precautionary steps: •
Keep your PC protected by ensuring you have the latest operating system, browser and up-to-date anti-virus software.
• •
Look for the padlock symbol - especially if you’re buying from a website for the fi rst time. It’s a good indication that they are reputable.
Register your cards with Verifi ed by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode when prompted.
• Always log out after shopping online.
Do your online shopping in time Online retailers have up to 30 days to deliver goods unless otherwise agreed. So ask them to confi rm in writing that your goods are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.
Online shopping rights In addition to your normal statutory rights, you also have extra protections when shopping online. In most cases, you will have seven working days (“Cooling off Period”) after delivery to change your mind, for any reason, and get a full refund. However, this does not apply to DVDs/music/computer software where the seal on the packaging has been broken, perishable items, made to order items, underwear or jewellery.
Items bought from online auction sites When buying
from sites such as e-bay
and Amazon’s ‘Sell Your Stuff ’ you are not buying from the sites themselves, but from individuals who have put the items up for sale
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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