When shopping have you ever noticed and considered what “Subject to your Statutory Rights” actually means.

When you buy any goods or services you are protected by legislation such as the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumer Regulations 2002.

If you discover that a present that you have purchased this Christmas for your friends and family does not meet the required standard you can reject the item and ask for your money back – but you must act quickly. Alternatively you can ask for a replacement or repair. The above course of action is known as your Statutory Rights, in other words they are the rights that consumers have when they buy goods or services as provided by law in legislation such as the Sale of Goods Act 1979.

It is amazing how many retailers are not fully conversant with the legislation which affects their day to day trading for example:

a) Retailers say “no receipt, no return”

You can return goods without a receipt provided you have a proof of purchase such as a bank/credit card statement.

b) “Goods made to consumer specification cannot be rejected” - yes they can

If the goods are not of satisfactory quality and/or fit for its intended purchase and/or as described.

It is important to remember that if you have simply changed your mind about a product or it is the wrong size, you do not have any legal rights to a refund or exchange.

Your consumer rights may be different and you may have additional rights if:

 You have purchased on credit
 Purchases on the internet, catalogue, telephone sales
 Purchased from an unsolicited phone call or visit

Know your rights this Christmas and give us a call if in doubt on 01785 213234