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Day 1

“On the first day of National Consumer Week,
Savvy said to me,

Avoid tatty presents under your Christmas tree,
You should always buy sensibly.”

BUYING SENSIBLY

Always buy toys from a reputable trader. Make sure that you check for the CE symbol or the Lion mark and choose toys which are appropriate for the age of the child.

If you have any concerns about the safety of a toy you have bought you can contact Consumer Direct.

For more information visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/

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Day 2

“On the second day of National Consumer Week,
Savvy said to me,

When you’re doing your shopping on the High Street,
Always check if you can get a gift receipt”

GIFT RECEIPTS

Check if the store offer gift receipts and if they have a returns policy. Then if your mother doesn’t like the top you bought her or has two of the same, then she can take it back and get something else.

If there is no returns policy then you have no rights to return an item.

For more information visit
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/clothes/

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Day 3

“On the third day of National Consumer Week,
Savvy said to me,

If you’re spending a lot of money, keep on your guard,
And pay using your credit card”

CREDIT CARD PURCHASES

If you’re feeling generous and are buying a gift for over £100 then pay for it on your credit card.

This will give you added protection if there are any problems with the product.

For more information visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/

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Day 4

“On the fourth day of National Consumer Week,
Savvy said to me,

Read the order terms and conditions when you’re shopping online
To make sure purchases arrive on time.”

SHOPPING ONLINE

When shopping on the internet, make sure you order your goods in plenty of time to avoid delays in delivery.

This will also give you time to check the product when it arrives, as you have seven working days to return goods if they are not suitable, unless they are personalised goods.

For more information visit
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/before_you_buy/online-shopping/

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Day 5

“On the fifth day of National Consumer Week,
Savvy said to me,

Think about the food you’re putting on your plate,
Is it all within the best before date?”

BEST BEFORE DATES

When buying your Christmas food, make sure you check the use by and best before date on products to make sure that your dinner is going to be at its best.

If products are passed their use by date then report this to Consumer Direct as it may be an offence.

For more information visit
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/

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Day 6

“On the sixth day of National Consumer Week, Savvy said to me,

Think twice about buying from a temporary shop,
Their trading could quickly come to a stop!”

TEMPORARY SEASONAL SHOPS

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. 

For more information visit
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/

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Day 7

“On the seventh day of National Consumer Week, Savvy said to me,

If your item is faulty don’t despair,
The retailer should replace, refund or repair.”

FAULTY PRODUCTS

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.

For more information please visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/