Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team, along with the Trading Standards Institute are giving Slough residents ten top savvy shopping tips this Christmas:
* Always shop around for the best price.
* Get a gift receipt when buying a gift in case the recipient wants to change it.
* If goods are bought for a specific purpose, then ensure the trader confirms that the goods will fulfil this function on the receipt e.g. will remove wine stains.
* Buying clothes and shoes – remember you have no right to return shoes or clothes simply because they don’t fit. So, if you are buying for someone else and are unsure, you may want to buy store vouchers instead.
* Faulty gifts – depending on when you bought the goods, you may have the right under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 to a refund, repair or replacement. Call Consumer Direct for further advice.
* Toys and games – be wary of buying toys and games from temporary shops, markets or car boot sales; they may be unsafe or even counterfeit. Labels on toys and ratings on games will let you know which ages they’re suitable for.
* Buying online – make sure you check the expected delivery dates. Distance selling regulations mean online sellers have 30 days to supply your goods from the day after you place your order – unless you pay extra for next day delivery. So make sure you order in good time for gifts to arrive.
* Returning goods bought online – because you can’t see goods close up, Distance Selling Regulations 2000 states you generally have seven working days from the day after your goods arrive to return them for a refund – if they’re not to your liking or don’t meet your requirements. However, some items cannot be returned such as flowers and food.
* Gift vouchers – gift vouchers are a great idea, but you need to be aware of the terms and conditions, often found in the small print. This will tell you when the vouchers expire – which is something that is easily missed.
* Christmas food – always check the best before date or the use by date and that the packaging is in good condition and hasn’t been opened. If you feel unwell after dining out or buying food from stores, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Keith Eaglestone, trading standards manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “At this time of year, many people can be too busy to think about problems arising from their Christmas purchases.
“With these helpful tips before the shopping starts, it should help to eliminate any difficulties that could occur.”
Slough Borough Council
