Money for Life work in partnership with the Money Advice Service, an independent organisation set up by government. Money AdviceService provides free, unbiased money guidance across the UK to help people make the most of their money. If you have a question or need help, you can chat to them here.
Every year we brave the shops and spend hours online at Christmas time to find presents for our loved ones. But with all that money spent, what happens if there’s a problem with the things you’ve bought?
You have protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which covers a number of different scenarios. It’s important to understand the basics of these so that you know what to do when things go wrong, and so that you don’t lose money unnecessarily.
Anything that you purchase has to be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality.
If you discover that something you have bought is faulty then you are entitled to a full refund for the first 30 days after you bought the goods.
If you have discovered the fault after the first 30 days, but before the first 6 months, then you are still entitled to a free repair or replacement. You can choose which of these you would rather, but the retailer has a right to dispute your choice if it is more expensive than the alternative.
If, after the repair or replacement, the issue has not been resolved, then you are entitled to a full refund or money off the item if you still wish to keep it.
Unlike buying in store, your rights are extended when you buy a product online, and you can return non-faulty items too. For example your decision to buy may have been based on a short description or a photo, which turned out not to be what you expected.
In these cases, you have a right to cancel your order from the moment of purchase, up to 14 days after receiving the item. You then have a further 14 days after requesting the order cancellation to return the item to the retailer.
Online retailers must also provide an address and email in order for consumers to get in touch – avoid shopping at those that don’t!
Many stores have a returns policy that allows you to return something you’ve bought simply if you’ve changed your mind. This is not an official right, but it’s always worth asking.
Often throughout the Christmas period, major high street retailers tend to extend their returns policy, to allow more time for people to send back any unwanted gifts. Be sure you double check that this applies to the shop you bought your item from.
You can find more about your consumer rights on the Citizens Advice Bureau website or ring their helpline: 03454 04 05 06. For more money tips and advice, follow @moneyforlife on Twitter and Instagram.
Money for Life work in partnership with the Money Advice Service, an independent organisation set up by government. Money AdviceService provides free, unbiased money guidance across the UK to help people make the most of their money. If you have a question or need help, you can chat to them here.
