Your Christmas shopping rights buying and returning items
Christmas is less than two months away and many of us are spreading the cost and making the most of bargains when we see them. Saving money at Christmas can only be a good thing but it can affect your consumer rights.
But what are your rights if you are giving or receiving presents for Christmas?
@thecomplainingcow Had to complain about a Christmas present. How to return a Christmas present #christmaspresents #Christmasgifts #ChristmasShopping #MoneyTipsAndTricks #MoneySaving
- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) items must be of satisfactory quality, fit for the intended purpose, match the description, be free from defects and last a reasonable length of time. If this is breached you are entitled to a full refund up to 30 days from purchase and after this time a repair or replacement. This contract is with the person who paid for the item so if possible give a gift receipt with the item
- The CRA 30 days entitlement runs from the point of purchase and not when it is opened.
- When you buy an item in store and change your mind you do not have the cooling off period. So be sure your recipient will like the item or enclose a gift receipt if the store provides them, which means the item can be returned.
- When you buy an item off premises you have 14 days to change your mind and inform the retailer and 14 days to return it. This goes from the day you receive it, not the day you give it to someone else.
- Personalised, bespoke and perishable items are exempt from the 14 day cooling off period but all goods are covered by the CRA.
- Some stores offer an extended return time for gifts, usually until the end of January, so check their policy.
- If you don’t have the receipt and want to return an item, some stores may still refund the item for you. However, if you do not have the proof of purchase, you will be refunded the current price of the item.
- If you paid extra for delivery on a certain date, including next day delivery, you are entitled to the refund of that charge if the item did not arrive at the agreed date and time.
- Remember, your contract is always with the company to which you paid the money. So, if your item is not delivered or arrives damaged, complain to the retailer and not the courier. If told to contact the courier, inform the retailer that your contract is with them and they need to refund you or send another item.
- Be careful of buying gift cards. If the company you buy them from goes into administration they usually become worthless. Give the receipt with the card which the recipient should keep in a separate place and can use to get the card cancelled if it is lost. Also check the expiry date.
Christmas shouldn’t be a refund lottery! Make sure you know your rights and protect yourself and your recipient!
Saving money and your rights at Christmas
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Help with complaining
And of course if there is anything wrong with your purchases you might need the books!
For more advice, tips, information and template letters covering holidays and more: GET THE BOOK! How To Complain: The ESSENTIAL Consumer Guide to Getting REFUNDS, Redress and RESULTS!
Want to get better at complaining? See 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer
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