Hot shoppings tips for Christmas bargin hunters

With many shops starting their “January Sales” early, Trading Standards have warned that cheap goods may not be the bargain that they seem.

As Christmas draws ever closer, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) has issued advice for bargain hunters on how to avoid the pitfalls of the sales. To prevent any potential problems, it is worth considering the following precautions:

Only buy from reputable retail outlets - temporary sale shops are more likely to close down immediately after the sale has ended, so you will have no opportunity for redress;

If you are tempted by attractive price reductions, try comparing prices elsewhere before you buy. Just because goods are in a sale doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t find them cheaper elsewhere;

If a previous higher price is displayed, this must have been the last price charged and the goods should have been on sale at that price for a reasonable period. As a general rule, the period of time that the goods have been on sale should be no longer than that for which the previous higher price was applied;

Ensure that the goods you buy are exactly what you want because unless the goods are faulty or misdescribed, you have no automatic right to a refund or exchange. However, many retailers do offer refunds or exchanges when consumers change their mind about a purchase, but this is purely on a goodwill basis and not because the law says they must;

Finally, don’t be misled into thinking that if you buy goods in a sale, your consumer rights are reduced – your rights are the same as if you had bought the goods under normal conditions.

Kerry McAuley from TSS said, “Everybody loves a bargain, which is why Trading Standards have offered these timely tips to help shoppers make smart choices when buying goods in the sales. Hopefully by following these few simple rules, consumers will avoid making a purchase that they later regret.”

If anyone has a complaint or requires further advice on a consumer issue, they should contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or 028 9025 3900, or alternatively, online.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 came into force on 26 May 2008. They bring into force in the UK the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 20052. .
2. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9591. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.