Consumer rights are for life - including at Christmas

With the festive season here Kent Trading Standards would like to remind shoppers of their consumer rights if they still have Christmas presents to buy and for purchases during the New Year sales.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TOP TIPS

1. Perfect presents - All goods purchased by consumers should be:

• AS DESCRIBED - Goods have to be as described - on the packaging, in the advertising, or on signs in store

• OF SATISFACTORY QUALITY - You have the right for the goods you buy to be safe, work properly and be free from defects, and

• BE FIT FOR PURPOSE - Anything that is sold to you must be capable of doing what it's meant for i.e. if you buy a kettle it must boil water

2. Online is fine - if you buy goods on the internet, you have the same rights as if you were shopping on the high street. In addition, you have a seven day 'cooling off' period from the date you receive the goods, with the right to a full refund regardless of the reason for return even if you just change your mind (unlike buying from a shop). Remember though that this doesn't apply in some situations, for example CD's, DVD's or console games where the seal has been broken, perishable or personalised items, or goods that are not in the same condition as when they were delivered.

3. Returning it to the retailer - when you buy goods, your contract is with the retailer not the manufacturer and you should always go back to the retailer in the first instance to request an exchange or refund. If you have a manufacturer's warranty you can contact them as well as the retailer. And don't delay - act as soon as you discover the problem.

4. No receipt required - you do not need a receipt to obtain a refund for faulty goods. However, you may be required to show proof of purchase with a credit card slip or bank or credit card statement.

5. Check at the checkout - although you do not have the legal right to take back goods bought on the high street just because you've changed your mind, many stores do offer a 'no questions asked' refund or exchange policy. Check the store policy when you buy.

6. Faking it! - Counterfeit goods are a huge problem and are becoming more widely available so be suspicious about bargains. The price is often a clue - if something is very cheap be wary. Examine the quality of the goods and check labels and packaging for misspellings and poor logos. Take extra care at street markets, car boot sales, computer fairs or on the internet where it may be more difficult to get in touch with the trader after the purchase.

For further consumer advice including tips on how to shop safely on-line, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk