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News: Don't put up with shoddy goods

The OFT (Office of Fair Trading) is offering a number of tips this Christmas to help shoppers avoid problems with goods and to get the best deal.

Firstly, when buying presents, always keep receipts just in case there is a problem and they need to be returned.

Check whether you have any additional rights, over and above your legal rights, under the seller's 'goodwill policy'. Many shops have 'goodwill policies'. This means the retailer will provide a 'no quibble' refund (often valid for three, six or 12 months) or allow you to exchange goods within a specified period, even if they are not faulty. See if the shop has a goodwill policy before you buy, particularly if you are buying the item for someone else. This will help prevent problems if the goods aren't suitable.

You are not obliged to accept a credit note, vouchers or the offer of a repair if goods are faulty or misdescribed and they are returned within a reasonable time.

If you buy goods or services from a catalogue, on the internet or by any other form of 'distance selling', generally speaking, you additionally have the right to: clear information before placing an order and written information about a purchase, including a description of the goods, the price and any delivery charges. Also, there will be a cancellation period during which an order can be cancelled without any reason and a full refund made.

A cancellation period typically lasts for up to seven clear working days after receipt of the goods. However, the cancellation right will be longer if the written information is not provided. There are some exceptions, for example, if you remove the packaging on CDs, DVDs or computer games.

If you have brought goods on a credit card and the item is more than £100 (and not greater than £30,000) both the supplier and the credit provider have the same liability to you if the goods are faulty or they were misrepresented.

Finally, if the retailer doesn't want to co-operate contact your local Trading Standards Department, Consumer Direct or your local Citizens Advice office.

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