Local charity Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West has 10 top tips for saving money and being consumer smart in the run-up to Christmas.
With Christmas just around the corner, the charity is highlighting relevant changes to the new Consumer Rights Act, while helping consumers to enjoy a safe and stress-free Christmas period.
[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Sue Nicholls, chief executive at Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West, which covers Stone, Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley, said: “Shoppers can be caught out if they don’t know their rights. The cost of Christmas can see some local people starting the New Year in debt. We hope our tips might help people to save money and give consumers confidence when buying gifts.” [/box]
[box type=”info” ]Ten top tips to be a clever consumer
Know your new consumer rights. The new consumer rights act came into effect on 1st October 2015. It’s worth understanding what your new consumer rights entitle you to before you buy, particularly if you’re shopping for expensive items that you haven’t bought before.
Be smart about your Christmas cards. Cards longer than 25cm, wider than 16.5cm or heavier than 100g require a Large Letter stamp which costs more. If you use the wrong stamp, the recipient may have to pay a surcharge for incorrect postage. If sending cards in coloured envelopes, write the address on a white label.
Be careful buying from online sellers. If you’re buying from an individual seller on an online marketplace such as Amazon or EBay, many of your consumer rights don’t apply. Items should be as described, but a private individual has no legal duty to inform you of any faults or to offer a cancellation period. Read the product description and the seller’s return policy carefully.
Fair terms not hidden in the small print. The Consumer Rights Act states that terms and conditions must be prominent. This means that important terms hidden in small print may not be compliant. Check for hidden extras or any additional costs in any credit agreement or contract. Check for information on delivering goods, or missed deliveries of goods.
Protect your items. Prevent damage in transit with padded envelopes or bubble wrap. Send valuables with insured services like Royal Mail’s Special Delivery service so you can claim compensation if your item is lost or damaged. For more general items up to £20, request a free Certificate of Posting from the Post Office.
Send second class. Second class post is more cost effective and has a better delivery record at Christmas – if you plan ahead, second class is far more likely to be delivered in three working days than first class is in just one.
Return faulty goods within 30 days. The short term ‘right to reject’ enables you to return goods to a trader within a 30-day period for a full refund if your core rights have been breached. The burden of proof will be on you to prove that the goods are not satisfactory, fit for purpose, or as described.
Returning online gifts. You can return most goods that you order online for up to 14 days after you received them for a full refund. You’re allowed to handle and inspect what you’ve bought before returning, but the trader may deduct some money from your refund if the product has been used. Most sellers give instructions on how to return items, and often include returns labels with your order. You usually have 14 days to return the item after informing the seller – check your terms and conditions for the amount of time allowed.
Don’t leave posting to the last minute. The last Royal Mail posting dates for sending signed for items in time for Christmas are Saturday 19th December, second class and for Special Delivery Wednesday 23rd December. Royal Mail will not be collecting post on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Sunday 27th or Monday 28th December.
Use the free Citizens Advice consumer service The consumer service can advise on consumer problems or give pre-shopping advice to reduce risk. Phone 03454 040506 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, except Bank Holidays.[/box]
Analysis by the Citizens Advice shows that people are more likely to call the Consumer service helpline with complaints about items such as toys, computer games and jewellery in January than any other time of year.
The charity offers free and confidential advice on consumer issues, along with other issues such as benefits, debt, housing and employment. For advice on other issues, anyone can speak to an adviser from Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West by calling 03444 111 444. Local rates apply.
