Shopping Tips – know your rights!
Based on VisitBritain, shopping is one of the most popular activities for overseas visitors to Britain, with at least 57% of all visits involving shopping. Visitors spent an average of £739 during their trip compared to £414 by those who did not – around 80% more. This rises to £960 per visit for those who included shopping at an outlet, department store or shop selling luxury/designer goods.
Being said that here are your rights when it comes to shopping that you probably don’t know about:
Of satisfactory quality – The goods must not be broken or faulty. The legislation explains that they must meet the standard that a reasonable person would consider satisfactory.
Fit for purpose – The goods must be fit for your intended use. (i.e. if you made the store aware you wanted to purchase a mountain bike, the product they recommend must be fit for that activity)
As described – The goods must match the seller’s description and what is being advertised.
Consumer Right Acts (CRA) also provides a three-tier approach to remedy matters when things have gone wrong:
- Tier 1: The short-term right to reject.
If, when supplied, the goods do not meet the purpose they were bought for, there is a period of 30 days (following purchase or delivery) in which you are entitled to reject them. In this case, you can claim a refund which must be given without undue delay, and in any event within 14 days of the trader agreeing that you are entitled to a refund.
- Tier 2: Repair or replacement.
When there is a breach of contract, but you have lost or choose not to exercise your right to reject goods, you will be entitled to claim a repair or replacement. The trader must do this at no cost, within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience.
- Tier 3: Price reduction and the final right to reject.
If repair or replacement is not available or is unsuccessful or is not provided within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience, you can claim a price reduction or reject the goods. Where repair or replacement fails, you choose whether to keep the goods or return them. If you decide to keep the goods, then your claim for a reduction in price; if you return them, you are rejecting them.
What if you are from abroad or buy from abroad?
If you have a problem with goods bought from overseas, you should contact the body overseeing your rights in that country.
