Fair Trading at Christmas
ALWAYS KEEP RECEIPTS
This is standard advice but is even more important when buying a gift. Remember, if you paid cash this will probably be the only proof of purchase you have. If you have lost your receipt but you paid on credit card or by cheque then you have access to extra proofs of purchase, but none is as good as a receipt. Remember without a proof of purchase you cannot prove where you bought something, how much you paid or when you bought it. In fact shops can argue that the item was not bought at all but might have been stolen.
DOES THE SHOP REFUND MONEY FOR UNWANTED GIFTS
There is no common policy on refunding in these circumstances. Remember that there is no legal right to a refund when items are not faulted or misdescribed. Some shops will only grant credit notes. Others will not assist at all. The shops attitude to this is really worth checking out. Bear in mind that some shops are okay with you returning items for a refund only if it’s done soon after purchase. This is a downside if you like to get your presents early.
CHECK WHAT YOUR BUY
Many people buy gifts months in advance and it is important that you thoroughly check the present as soon as possible. A shop will always be more helpful a few days after purchase. Make sure things work, and are complete as soon as possible after making the purchase. Think how disappointed someone will be if they find parts missing or that your gift just doesn’t work. Realise that if you don’t check the gift before handing it on to your friend or relative they may be reluctant to tell you about any problem. If they mention anything it may be after some weeks and this further delay will make dealing with the shop even more awkward.
BE SURE YOUR ORDER WILL ARRIVE BEFORE XMAS
If you have to order a present make sure there is plenty of time. At Christmas orders tend to be filled more slowly. So, if a trader is unsure that they can make a delivery in time be very wary. Find out what the anticipated delivery time is. An unexpected high demand for a certain product can cause serious delays in delivery. Of course the high demand toy, that every kid thinks they NEED, will be insufficiently stocked, so make sure you make your order in time.
OF COURSE IF ITEMS ARE FAULTED OR MISDESCRIBED IN ANY WAY you have the normal protection offered by your statutory rights. If any problem cannot be resolved you can contact John Herron of the Senior Fair Trading Officer on 0191 433398