As many people rush out to take advantage of the January sales, Consumer Direct is advising shoppers that they have exactly the same statutory rights when they buy sale goods as they do for full price items.
If consumers buy goods in the sales, they are entitled to expect their purchase to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If this is not the case, and the goods are returned within a reasonable time, customers should generally be entitled to their money back. Shoppers also have alternate rights to ask for a replacement or repair instead of a refund.
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager for Consumer Direct said: 'Many people think that if you buy goods in the sales, you forfeit your consumer rights but don't be fooled - you have exactly the same rights to refunds, repairs and replacements on sale goods as you would on full price items. If a product is reduced because it's faulty, this should be pointed out to you in advance.'
Although your statutory rights are not affected when buying sale items, stores do have the right to alter their returns policies.
For further information and advice on consumer rights and how to gain redress when things go wrong, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
