Ross-shire residents reminded of consumer rights if returning or exchanging unwanted Christmas gifts as Advice Direct Scotland shares some nuggets of wisdom
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ROSS-SHIRE residents have been reminded of their consumer rights when returning or exchanging unwanted Christmas gifts.
From purchasing the wrong size of jumper to receiving two copies of the same book, the post-Christmas period results in lots of requests to companies for either refunds or gift swaps.
The Consumer Rights Act gives everyone the legal right to either get a refund for goods that are of unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described, or to get a repair – depending on exactly how long the items have been owned.
Consumers also have more rights when shopping online.
For most online returns the regulations state that you can cancel an online order up to 14 days after receiving it, followed by a 14-day period in which you can send it back.
Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), the country’s national advice service, has been running a Christmas campaign to help consumers make the most of the festive period.
There is a legal right to either get a refund for goods that are of unsatisfactory quality; unfit for purpose or not as described; or to get a repair – depending on how long you’ve owned it.
From zero to 30 days, you are entitled to a full refund for goods that are of unsatisfactory quality.
Many shops will accept returns of non-faulty items, but there are exceptions including personalised items, perishable goods and products that have been worn.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for ADS, said: “Even with the best intentions when it comes to buying gifts, we can’t always get it right.
“Consumers have extensive rights when it comes to returns and refunds, and it is always worth remembering these.”
For further advice, call consumeradvice.scot for free on 0808 164 6000 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
