South Tyneside shoppers reminded of their consumer rights over Christmas period

People in South Tyneside are being reminded of their consumer rights this festive season.
Consumers are being reminded of their rights at the salesConsumers are being reminded of their rights at the sales
Consumers are being reminded of their rights at the sales

As people head out to exchange Christmas presents or bag a bargain in the sales, South Tyneside Council’s Trading Standards Team is reminding people of the protections they have under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

The Act provides new cover for consumers buying digital content, such as music downloads or ebooks, and sets out what should happen when goods or services do not match up to what was agreed.

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Coun Joan Atkinson, lead member for area management and community safety, said: “The Act makes it easier for shoppers to understand their rights and simplifies the law for businesses.

Coun Joan AtkinsonCoun Joan Atkinson
Coun Joan Atkinson

“By reminding residents of their rights, we hope they will feel more confident returning faulty or unwanted goods.”

Under the Act retailers are obliged to give consumers a full refund on items that turn out to be faulty, for up to 30 days after the purchase.

However a retailer’s obligations are slightly different for digital content; consumers are entitled to a repair or replacement if they are not as described by the seller, of a satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.

Shoppers should:

*Keep all receipts as proof of purchase.

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*If items are faulty, consumers are entitled to a full refund from the retailer for up to 30 days after purchase.

*Gifts paid for by credit card costing more than £100 affords consumers additional protection through the credit card company

*People who change their mind about a purchase bought in store are not automatically entitled to a refund or exchange, unless it is faulty. Some retailers offer a replacement or credit note but it is not a legal requirement.

*Online shoppers have the right to return goods – except bespoke and perishables - and receive a full refund within 14 days of goods being delivered. They also have the right to receive that refund within 14 days of returning the goods.

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*When entering into a service contract online consumers have the right to cancel that service within 14 days provided that work hasn’t started within that period.

For consumer advice contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 404 0506 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer