Know your rights when returning Christmas gifts

Consumerline and nidirect have teamed up to answer consumers’ questions about their rights, when returning unwanted or faulty Christmas presents.

Consumerline, part of Trading Standards Service, in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, will hold a one hour session on the NIDirect website next Thursday, 14 January, to answer individual queries.

If people want to know their rights in relation to a specific situation then they can email nidirect before 12 January. Consumerline expert, Stephen Thompson, will post a response on the website, on Thursday, 14 January, at 2:30 pm.

Stephen Thompson said: “There are robust protections in place to support consumers, but it is important that more people are aware of their rights.

“Knowledgeable consumers are much more likely to get a fair deal, save money and get the right result when unsatisfied with their purchases. This is especially important during the current economic climate, when every penny counts.”

Names, email addresses and any other personal details from enquirers will not be published and they will not be used for any other purpose. The responses will remain on nidirect for four weeks.

Some possible scenarios:

• you've been given a gift which you want to return but you have no receipt
• you've been given an expensive present which is faulty
• you want to know what you're entitled to when you want to return a gift which is now on sale at a lower price
• you've received a present which is the wrong size
• you've been given a broken present which you want replaced, but you've only been offered repairs
• you've bought something online that doesn't match its description
• you've bought something online which is second hand or faulty and want to know who is liable for the postage and packaging
• you ordered an item online which didn't arrive in time for Christmas.

If consumers are unsure and want to know their rights, email nidirect at feedback@nidirect.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

1. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.