2007
Contrary to popular belief, you don't automatically have the right to return unwanted Christmas gifts and claim a refund, but you may be able to take advantage of shops' goodwill policies, advises government advice service Consumer Direct East Midlands.
20th December 2007
Under the law, it is only the person who bought the gift that has the right to return it and ask for a refund - and only if the product is not as described, unfit for purpose or faulty.
Many shops do have goodwill policies and will allow you to exchange unwanted presents or have a credit note, but this is not a legal obligation.
However, the situation can be different for goods bought online. Internet shoppers usually have the right to cancel their order for up to seven working days after delivery so buyers who received goods just before Christmas may have a small window of opportunity after the big day to cancel and request a no quibble refund. Although you are entitled to a full refund, you may have to pay for the cost of return carriage. Some items cannot be cancelled such as perishable goods or goods made to order.
Sara Barry, Consumer Direct East Midlands Manager said:
'Even if you don’t have any legal right to return unwanted presents, many shops will allow you to exchange goods or get a credit note so it's worth checking their policies. If an item is faulty or damaged then you should take it back as soon as you can. In each case, always try to take the receipt or other proof of purchase such as a bank or credit card statement with you.'
For clear, practical advice to help resolve a consumer problem call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
-ends-
MEDIA enquiries:
Georgina Barton
Tel: 01522 535792
Mobile: 07768 840239
Email: georgina.barton@consumerdirect-eastmidlands.gov.uk
NOTES
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
6. Northern Ireland has its own service called ConsumerLine (available on 08456 00 62 62) which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
