Shoppers Should Know Right To Return

The UK's fair trading body is urging shoppers to know their consumer rights when buying clothes for the Christmas party season or in New Year sales.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said problems with returning clothes is consistently among the top 10 complaints received by Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed consumer advice service, and over 20,000 complaints have been received so far this year.

January is the peak month for complaints about clothes, which this year were around 40% higher than during an average month.

The Government body said that when buying 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 refund, repair or replacement," a spokesman said.

The OFT's Know Your Consumer Rights campaign advises customers to check the shop's return policy when buying on the high street as, if you simply change your mind, you won't have any legal right to a refund. However many stores do offer additional rights to return as part of their customer service.

You should also check the clothes you have bought as soon as possible and before using them. If you do find a fault, don't wear them and contact the trader or return them as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, when buying clothes online you usually have seven working days from when your clothes arrive to change your mind and ask for a refund, the OFT guide said.

Michele Shambrook from Consumer Direct 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 them out at home, and people have clear rights to a refund, repair or replacement when purchases are faulty."

The OFT said it was working with local Trading Standards services and retailers to make information on consumer rights more readily available.

(DW)