Denbighshire Trading Standards is offering festive advice to protect your consumer rights over Christmas:
12 dodgy dealers dealing – Avoid counterfeit goods. Fake items are often of poor quality, potentially unsafe and their sellers are acting illegally. Beware of buying what appear to be bargain branded goods from countries outside the E.U. You run more risk and may have a less rights than from those inside the E.U.
11 stocking fillers – if you receive an unwanted gift from a friend or relative, the seller isn’t obliged to do anything. Some traders may, as a gesture of goodwill or as part of their voluntary return policy, exchange or offer a credit note. Find out the shop’s policy before buying.
10 lights a burning – ensure fairy lights are safe, are CE marked and don’t use interior ones outside. Beware the stability and positioning of naked flames, such as from candles etc.
9 faulty presents – always examine your purchases as soon as you can and return any defective item immediately.
8 shops a shutting – Before Christmas, some previously empty shops are occupied by traders for a short time only. Remember that after the festive period, they may no longer be there and you will have nowhere to go if you have a problem.
7 credit cards-a-swiping – If your purchase costs more than £100, it may be wiser to pay by ‘plastic’, as it may offer you extra protection.
6 festive bargains – “THINK” if the bargain looks too good to be true, it probably is. Although you may not wish to miss a true bargain, don’t be too hasty.
5 doorbells a ringing – Beware of doorstep sellers. Not all callers are genuine and some may use pressure selling tactics, if you give them an opportunity. Impulse buying is often regretted. If you’re in any doubt, shut them out. Any contract you enter into, in your home or place of work – now carries a 7 day cooling off period whether the trader was invited or visited as part of a cold call.
4 vouchers dated –If you’re buying a gift voucher or have a credit note, check any expiry date and any restricted usage, if you’re buying a gift voucher or have a credit note.
3 extended warranties – You are under no obligation to buy any extended warranty. If you wish to buy one, for whatever reason, check for what is covered or, more importantly, what is not covered and any restrictions applied to the policy.
2 Christmas dinners – check all durability date on perishable foods. Ensure correct storage and follow recommended cooking times. Do not re-freeze.
1 till receipt – They are your proofs of purchase. If the goods become faulty or you want to exchange them and the seller may require them.
For further information, please contact Denbighshire Trading Standards on 01824 706057 or Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06.
