Ten tips on consumer rights information, from advice on buying a second hand car to refunds for faulty goods

1. 10 Tips:
Consumer Rights

2. 1. When 2. It may come as a
buying a surprise that there is no
automatic right to a
second hand refund if you change your
car you still mind after buying goods.
Always check the returns
have the same policy for an item if you
rights as you are in doubt, you may
do when not have a legal right to a
refund if you just decide
buying a new you don’t like something.
one.

3. 3. There is no requirement for a shop to sell goods
at a price displayed. This is a commonly-held
misunderstanding. In legal terms a price ticket is an
“invitation to offer” and isn’t contractually-binding.
4. "Section 75" laws give consumers free
payment protection for anything worth over £100
bought on credit cards. If there is a problem with
the goods or services you purchase, or the
company goes bankrupt your money is protected.

4. 5. If goods are 6. Beware the small print!
faulty, you don’t You don’t always have the
right to cancel a contract,
need the original you’ll only find the details in
receipt. It is likely the small print. No
that you will be information on cancellation
provision usually means no
required to show right to cancel. Also note, if
proof of purchase, you’ve ticked a box that says
but a credit card you’ve read the terms and
slip or a bank conditions, the law takes this
as acceptance - you can’t
statement will later claim you weren’t
suffice. aware of the details!

5. 7. When you buy goods online you have the
protection of a seven day “cooling off period” from
the date the goods are delivered to you. This gives
you the right to a full refund without having to
give a reason.
8. Always return goods to the retailer. When you
buy goods, your contract is with the retailer
rather than the manufacturer, and so a claim for
faulty goods should go to where you made the
purchase.

6. 9. Don’t waste time. If goods have a fault and
you wish to claim a full refund you must return the
goods to the retailer promptly. The Sale of Goods
Act allows you to reject faulty goods within a
reasonable period of time, usually three to four
weeks.
10. Check the delivery details. If you have an
item delivered and the deliverer can’t get it
through the door, there is no requirement for them
to take it away – they could legally leave it on your
doorstep or charge you for its return.

7. Image: Hugh Chevallier