YOUR RIGHT TO SHOP (Consumer Rights)
As a consumer you have certain rights that protect you. You are entitled to a full refund if something you buy is:
- damaged or faulty (unless you were warned beforehand)
- different from the description given on the packaging or by shop staff
- not fit for the purposes the goods were made for
This applies to all goods, including things bought in the sales. You do not have to accept a credit voucher, exchange or repair unless the fault is very small. Take the receipt with you if you have it. You need to return goods within a reasonable time after you bought them.
You are not entitled to any refund or exchange if you have changed your mind about what you bought, although a lot of shops will do this.
Keeping the receipt and, if possible, the packaging for anything major that you buy will make it a lot easier to sort out problems later.
If you think you have been denied your consumer rights, go to the CAB or Castlegate for advice, or contact:
Consumer Direct, which can help explain your consumer rights for example with shops, and how to avoid dodgy deals such as ‘cowboy’ traders, scams and rip offs. They can also advise you how to take things further if you are having problems.
MOBILE PHONES
All mobile phone companies seem to offer amazing deals, but make sure you find out all of the charges. Think about how much you will be paying altogether, and which option is most suitable for you. Ask friends with phones about the service they get from theirs. Pre-paid phones can have higher call charges, but they stop you running up huge bills! Remember you can send free text messages from many internet sites.
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, even if you are in a traffic jam or at a red light. Even if you use a hands-free kit, you could still be prosecuted for careless driving.