Menu
22/12/2011
Shoppers Urged To Know Their Rights
Consumerline is urging shoppers to know their consumer rights when buying clothes for the Christmas party season or in New Year sales.
Problems with clothes are consistently amongst the top ten complaints received by Consumerline with over 300 complaints having been received so far this year. January is the peak month for complaints about clothes – this year complaints were around 40% higher than during an average month.
When you buy clothes – even when they are in a sale – your purchase must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
If this is not the case, the items are faulty and you are within your legal rights to ask for a repair, replacement or refund. The Office of Fair Trading’s Know Your Consumer Rights campaign advises you to:
* Check the shop’s return policy when buying on the high street. If you simply change your mind, you won’t have any legal right to a refund. However many stores do offer additional opportunities to return as part of their customer service
* Check the clothes you’ve bought before using them. If you do find a fault, don’t wear them and contact the trader as soon as possible
* When buying clothes online you usually have up to seven working days from when your clothes arrive to change your mind and ask for a refund.
Stephen Thompson from Consumerline said: "It is not acceptable for party clothes to fall apart after just a couple of outings, for a waterproof coat to leak or for your new winter boots to be scuffed when you get home, and people have clear rights to a refund, repair or replacement when purchases are faulty.
"However, people shopping on the high street have no legal right to return an item simply because they have changed their mind. Many stores do offer additional opportunities to return goods, but these refund policies vary from store to store. Businesses need to be upfront about what they offer, but you can do your bit by keeping the receipt and making sure you understand your rights before you return the goods."
(GK)
Problems with clothes are consistently amongst the top ten complaints received by Consumerline with over 300 complaints having been received so far this year. January is the peak month for complaints about clothes – this year complaints were around 40% higher than during an average month.
When you buy clothes – even when they are in a sale – your purchase must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
If this is not the case, the items are faulty and you are within your legal rights to ask for a repair, replacement or refund. The Office of Fair Trading’s Know Your Consumer Rights campaign advises you to:
* Check the shop’s return policy when buying on the high street. If you simply change your mind, you won’t have any legal right to a refund. However many stores do offer additional opportunities to return as part of their customer service
* Check the clothes you’ve bought before using them. If you do find a fault, don’t wear them and contact the trader as soon as possible
* When buying clothes online you usually have up to seven working days from when your clothes arrive to change your mind and ask for a refund.
Stephen Thompson from Consumerline said: "It is not acceptable for party clothes to fall apart after just a couple of outings, for a waterproof coat to leak or for your new winter boots to be scuffed when you get home, and people have clear rights to a refund, repair or replacement when purchases are faulty.
"However, people shopping on the high street have no legal right to return an item simply because they have changed their mind. Many stores do offer additional opportunities to return goods, but these refund policies vary from store to store. Businesses need to be upfront about what they offer, but you can do your bit by keeping the receipt and making sure you understand your rights before you return the goods."
(GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 January 2024
Sinn Féin Welcomes Power-Sharing Return
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed progress on the return to power-sharing.
Sinn Féin Welcomes Power-Sharing Return
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed progress on the return to power-sharing.
24 January 2024
SRC Announces Return Of Annual Big Apprenticeship Event
Southern Regional College has announced the return of their annual Big Apprenticeship Event this February during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
SRC Announces Return Of Annual Big Apprenticeship Event
Southern Regional College has announced the return of their annual Big Apprenticeship Event this February during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
23 January 2024
HMRC Issues Self Assessment 31 January Deadline Reminder
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the 3.8 million people yet to file their Self Assessment tax return are urged to "act now or risk facing a £100 penalty". HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date more than 8.
HMRC Issues Self Assessment 31 January Deadline Reminder
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the 3.8 million people yet to file their Self Assessment tax return are urged to "act now or risk facing a £100 penalty". HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date more than 8.
08 June 2005
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
04 September 2001
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
