2008
Every year consumers across the UK splash out their hard earned cash on cards, flowers and special gifts to give to their Mothers on Mother Day.
Consumer Direct Scotland is encouraging people to understand what their rights are if things don’t go as planned.
The Government-funded helpline and online service is advising consumers across the Scotland to brush up on their consumer rights before buying expensive gifts and gestures for their mums this year.
Consumer Direct Scotland Manager, Gordon Macdonald says:
'consumers need to know what they can do if their bouquet of flowers arrives too late or those relaxing Mothers Day breaks don’t go as planned.'
'Many people put a lot of thought and effort into Mothers Day. Gifts not arriving on time, or goods and services not meeting expectations can be quite upsetting for those involved,' said Mr Macdonald.
'Knowing your consumer rights can help you avoid problems in the first place and arm you with the tools to deal with traders if there is an issue.'
Consumer Direct Scotland is on hand with pre shopping advice and tips on what to do if things go wrong and can be reached by calling 08454 04 05 06.
Tips for good sons and daughters
- Finding that perfect fragrance may not be easy but beware of street traders selling cut price perfume, DVD’s, CD’s or videos. They usually turn out to be poor quality and are illegal.
- Don’t leave internet or mail order purchases to the last minute. They often take several days to arrive. Check the length of time it takes to be delivered before you buy. Under the Distance Selling Regulations, a trader has 30 days to fulfil the order unless you stipulate a time. If your purchase doesn’t arrive on time and the special moment is over, you may be able to cancel the order.
- Make sure that your payment is protected - look for the closed padlock symbol when using the internet.
- Buying on-line is an increasingly popular way of shopping. If you’re buying jewellery over the web we recommend people use reputable, well-known traders and make sure you get a guarantee of authenticity and quality.
- When purchasing items costing over £100.00, think about using a credit card as you may get extra protection from your credit card company should problems arise.
- If purchasing gift vouchers be aware that there is usually an expiry date and that retailers may not give change should the goods not equal the total value of the gift voucher. Always check the terms and conditions.
- Shops are not legally obliged to take back unwanted goods. Consumers can only return goods if they are faulty.
- If you cancel a special Mothers Day dinner, remember to tell the restaurant. Forget and you are technically in breach of contract – the restaurant could take legal action against you.
-End-
Notes to editors:
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
6. Northern Ireland has its own service called Consumer Line (available on 08456 00 62 62) which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
For further information please contact Jean Mackenzie 01851 822300
