Press releases
14 December 2006
Ten Ways to Avoid Christmas Shopping Stress
With less than 10 shopping days left before Christmas Day, brushing up on your consumer rights could help take much of the stress out of getting set for Christmas this year, advises Consumer Direct East Midlands.
The telephone and on-line consumer advice service is on hand to help shoppers save time and money in the preparation for the festive season.
“The run-up to Christmas is a busy and expensive time for us all. By following our advice hopefully it won’t cost more than it needs to. Knowing your rights can help things to go smoothly so you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas and shopping around can make sure you get a good deal.” says Sara Barry, Consumer Direct East Midlands Manager.
Before splashing out this Christmas, remember these top 10 tips from Consumer Direct East Midlands:
- Keep all your receipts in case you need to return any purchases and although you will have many more receipts than usual at this time of year, do not be tempted to throw them away. Proof of purchase is invaluable if you need to return goods. But if you do lose your receipts, an alternative proof of purchase, such as a credit card bill or bank statement, can be used instead.
- If anything you buy - from gifts to a new set of fairy lights - turns out to be faulty you may have a right to claim a repair, replacement or a refund. If an item is faulty, it is up to the retailer you bought the goods from to sort the matter out - not the manufacturer. It should usually be the person who bought the goods that returns them.
- If you’re unsure about any gift you are buying and think you may need to return it in the new year, ask the store for a gift receipt or to write this on the receipt.
- Check gifts for faults before you wrap them up to avoid disappointment on Christmas Day and so that you can return them as soon as possible.
- For more expensive gifts costing over £100, think about using a credit card. This way, should problems arise, you will get extra protection from your credit card company.
- Think twice when buying from temporary seasonal shops, street traders or one-day sales. These stalls are often set up only for Christmas and you may not be able to find them again if something goes wrong.
- If shopping on the internet, remember to order in plenty of time and double check with the provider that the delivery date will be before Christmas. Again, when buying online use a credit card to give you extra protection. Remember that if you make a purchase through a private seller, such as those on internet auction sites, your rights are very limited.
- When buying toys, always look for suitable age warnings and safety marks – such as the CE Mark and the Lion Mark - on the packaging. Remember younger brothers or sisters may get their hands on toys and you will need to avoid dangerous or small parts coming lose, which could be a choking hazard.
- Beware of cheap imitations. You risk buying low quality or even potentially unsafe products.
- And finally, always remember that if you simply change your mind about a purchase, the retailer is not obliged to offer you a refund or an exchange. Many do offer a replacement or credit note, but this is a goodwill gesture and not a legal requirement. Always check the retailer’s returns policy.
Whatever the time of year, Consumer Direct East Midlands can give consumers the tools to shop with confidence and avoid the pitfalls.
For clear, practical advice call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
