My tips to avoid Xmas gift gaffes
IT pays to know your rights before splashing out on Christmas gifts.
If presents arrive late or turn out to be complete turkeys then it’s much easier to get a refund.
Of course these protections are completely worthless if you are not aware of them when you spend your hard-earned cash.
Here is my mini guide to your Christmas shopping rights. DELIVERY RIGHTS
Retailers have to deliver goods within 30 days of purchase, unless they state otherwise. Every year consumers get caught out with this at Christmas as they find that presents ordered in mid-December arrive in January. TOP TIP: When you order Christmas presents online, state the date you need the goods by in the notes section online. If the seller then fails to deliver by this date they will be in breach of contract. GIFT RECEIPTS
When returning goods, retailers will always ask for the receipt or proof of purchase.
All sellers will provide you with a gift receipt if you ask for one. This will mean that the person who receives your gift will be able to return it if they wish. RIGHT TO RETURN UNWANTED PRESENTS
If you shop online you have the right to return the goods within 14 days of delivery. However, this is generally no use with Christmas presents because this period will almost certainly have passed.
You should therefore ask the retailer, up front, if you get an extended period to return the goods. If you do, get confirmation in writing.
In the shops there is no automatic right to return goods when you change your mind or the recipient of a gift doesn’t want it.
However, most stores have a policy to allow you to return goods in these circumstances. Most have extended rights during the Christmas period. You should therefore look to see what the Christmas return rights are. RIGHT TO A REFUND FOR FAULTY GOODS
Your rights are always the same in relation to faulty goods, no matter what the time of year.
If you discover the fault within the first 30 days after purchase you are entitled to an automatic refund. After that you are entitled to a repair or replacement.
When buying presents it is worth asking the shop if they will extend this period on the basis that you will not know if an item is faulty until the recipient opens it.