Sharon Hodgson MP reminds shoppers to remember their rights this Christmas

Consumer Direct telephone number: 08564 04 05 06.

Sharon Hodgson MP today launched a campaign with Labour’s Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan to remind festive shoppers hitting the sales on the internet and the high street this Christmas in Gateshead, Washington and Sunderland to remember their rights.

Sharon Hodgson MP said:
“At this busy time of year when you are rushing round buying presents it’s important to remember your legal rights if goods are faulty.  After all, knowledgeable, confident shoppers are much more likely to get a fair deal, save money and get the right result when things go wrong.

“Just being aware of three key points will stand shoppers in good stead.  Goods must fit the description given, be of satisfactory quality and be suitable for purpose.”

Labour’s Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan said:
“When people are aware of their rights and businesses respect their obligations, consumers can shop with confidence this Christmas, which is good for them and good for business in Gateshead and Washington.”

All consumers need to remember are three key legal rights which apply even in the Christmas sales:

1. Goods must fit the description given

2. Be of satisfactory quality

3. Be suitable for purpose

And it’s important that consumers know:

If goods are faulty it is the retailers responsibility not the manufacturers

If a trader visits your home you have a cooling off period of seven days during which an order can be cancelled without any reason and a full refund made
 
If you buy goods off the internet, in most cases, you have a cooling-off period during which an order can be cancelled without any reason and a full refund made
 
Consumers are encouraged to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit the website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk for further information.

ENDS

Notes for editors

1.   The campaign was one of the actions referred to in the Government’s recent consumer white paper “A better deal for consumers – Delivering Real Help Now and Change for the Future.”

2. Retail partners who have joined the “Know Your Consumer Rights” campaign include: Asda, figleaves.com, B & Q, Wickes, WhataFind.com and ASOS.com.

3. Best practice for business is provided through the Businesslink website www.businesslink.gov.uk/consumersrights to help educate and train their staff on key consumer rights.