Buying Things

Consumer Rights

Anyone who buys goods or services is a consumer. When you buy or hire goods and services, you have legal – or ‘statutory’ – rights. This applies whether you buy in a shop, privately, online or some other way.

If you want to know your rights when it comes to buying goods or services (e.g. a haircut), check out The Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The OFT is there to make things fair for consumers. They make sure that businesses selling goods and services behave fairly.

The website includes lots of info and guides to help with buying goods and services. It also has info on your rights if you need to return something you have bought.

Tel: 08457 22 44 99
E-mail: enquiries@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Making a complaint

If you feel a shop / trader hasn’t treated you fairly (i.e. perhaps refused you a refund) or you’d like to make a complaint about goods or services you have bought, contact your local Trading Standards Department or Citizen’s Advice Bureau for advice (see below).

Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)

For free and confidential information and advice.

Help is also available in different languages; go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk for more information and help with finding your local CAB.

Consumer Direct (Department for Trade and Industry)

Provides links to good websites to help you with your particular problem. It also has guides to help you with buying goods and services and making a complaint.

Trading Standards

Trading Standards Officers are responsible for enforcing the Trades Description Act. Trading Standards can help and advice you if you’re making a complaint.