KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
THE LAW SAYS… The Consumer Rights Act says goods should be of satisfactory quality, fit for the job intended, and last a reasonable length of time. You have 30 days to return faulty or unsatisfactory goods for a full refund. Within the first six months, you can take the product back to the shop and the retailer should repair or replace any goods or digital content. If this is unsuccessful, you can then claim a full or partial refund. It’s up to the store to prove the product wasn’t faulty when you bought it. Your rights are extended when you buy items online, and you can return non-faulty goods, too, within 14 days of receiving them.
COMPLAIN LOUDLY! Social media is like standing on the street corner with a megaphone – use it wisely, as it can be powerful. If tweeting a complaint, mention the company’s Twitter handle midway through your comment so it can be seen easily. And don’t forget to add #complaint at the end to flag up that you have a gripe.
EBAY RULES Before you get carried away in bidding, check seller reviews. If you buy from a business via ebay, you’re protected by the Sale of Goods Act and, for ‘Buy it Now’ listings, by Distance Selling Regulations.