Many sales have already started

Consumer should know their rights while bargain hunting

With sales fast approaching and some shops already offering reduced prices before, Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards are offering a number of tips to help the county's consumers get a good deal for their money.

"If you're thinking of sale shopping over the next few weeks, it's worth being prepared and checking out your consumer rights before you hit the high street," says County Councillor Carol Dean, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities.  "It's always worth checking retailers' refund policies before buying and this is particularly important when sale shopping."

During sale periods, consumer rights remain the same as they do at all other times of the year, so if goods are faulty or do not match their description consumers may be entitled to a refund, replacement or repair, whichever is most practical.  However, this doesn't apply if a consumer has had second thoughts about goods purchased - although many shops will offer a refund or exchange as a goodwill gesture.

"There is a popular misconception that retailers will automatically let you return goods if you've changed your mind but this isn't the case," says Cllr Dean.  "It's worth remembering that while many retailers do this as a goodwill gesture, these may change or be withdrawn altogether during the sales so check before you buy."

Generally sale goods have been on sale in the store at a higher price before being reduced.  The sale price ticket should state the previous price charged by that shop.  Many shops buy in good specifically to see during sale time. 

Every year hundreds of shoppers call Consumer Direct to find out what their rights are regarding faulty gifts and problems with sales bargains.  Consumer Direct offers the following advice for bargain hunters during seasonal sales:

• You have the same rights when you buy goods in a sale as at any other time of year
• If goods are faulty or do not match their description you may be entitled to a refund, replacement or repair
• If you loose your receipts, your rights still apply.  An alternative proof of purchase is necessary such as a credit card bill or bank statement
• When purchasing items costing over £100, think about using a credit card as you will get extra protection from your credit card company should problems arise
• Be wary of sale offers that look too good to be true - read the small print
• Check if sale items are reduced because they are damaged or have defects - if this is marked on the label the shop doesn't have to take it back
• Check what the retailer's returns policy is during a sale.  Although many offer a goodwill gesture of a return or exchange, there is no legal requirement to do this.

Consumers who want to check their rights before heading into the sales should log on to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Page Last Modified: 22/12/2008 15:13:37

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