People urged to know their consumer rights

Mark Wilson from Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards service.

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service are encouraging consumers and businesses to be aware of shopping rights as part of a national consumer awareness campaign.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two big shopping days  taking place next month, officers are reminding people of the importance of understanding their rights and obligations when buying goods. 

“Most purchases are trouble-free" says Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, “but it helps to know your legal rights for those times when things do not turn out the way you had hoped.

“When you buy goods from a retailer you can legally expect them to be correctly described, fit for purpose and free from defects. If they are not, you could be entitled to a refund, replacement, or repair.”  

Trading Standards Officers are advising people to retain receipts and to raise issues with retailers as soon as possible.  Remaining calm and polite with retailers usually helps resolve issues without difficulty, and people can speak with specialist Citizens Advice consumer advisors free of charge should they be uncertain about where they stand. 

“Businesses can also play their part,” added Victoria.

“Successful businesses often have a visible track record of being fair with customers, and this shows through their online reviews.  Rather than dismissing customer complaints, they make it their business to resolve issues quickly.” 

The Consumer Rights Act clarifies consumer law and includes legislation to allow people to obtain a full refund on faulty goods within 30 days of purchase, an ability to challenge unfair terms and conditions and to demand poor services be corrected. 

Consumer Rights Week runs from 16 to 22 October and both shoppers and businesses can contact Citizens Advice for further support on 0808 2231133. 

Businesses can also contact Trading Standards for advice on these and other laws on 0300 111 8002