DISCARD RECEIPTS AT YOUR PERIL

ALWAYS, always insist on being given a receipt.

Many smaller stores simply don’t produce them unless they are asked to, which is illegal in terms of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

When I challenge the store on this, I’m always told the same thing: “Most customers don’t want them.”

Section 26 of the CPA states that a supplier “must” supply a written record of each transaction to the consumer, not only if the consumer asks for one. That sales record can’t be vague, either: by law it must include the store’s name, address, date of purchase, quantity and description of goods and taxes paid.

Street vendors are exempt from this provision, by the way.

Apart from revealing any overcharging, you have no recourse without proof of purchase.

The CPA entitles you to return a defective item within six months for your choice of a refund, replacement or repair - provided you can produce proof of purchase.

So, always insist on a “till slip”, take a quick look at it in the store to check that all is in order, and then keep it in a safe place - a drawer, a spike, or a shoe box.

You won’t believe how much time, money and frustration that could save you.

I am unable to help so many people, with valid cases, simply because they have lost or discarded their receipts.