With the countdown to Christmas well underway, Trading Standards officials are offering tips on how shoppers can enjoy a stress free festive season.
From knock-off booze to suspect slimming products, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards department publishes its top-five list of seasonal tips:
• Yuletide Booze: Buy your alcohol from the places you know and trust. Even spirits, such as vodka, can be counterfeit.
• Eaten Too Much Turkey? Don’t be conned into thinking that slimming products offered for sale, usually in magazines and newspaper, are wonder cures. Such adverts for slimming patches and pills, are misleading.
• Bargains or Not? Be careful of shops which offer major reductions on goods which they may have just got in stock 13 ask yourself, is there anything with which to compare these reduced prices? Remember to shop around to get the best deal for yourself.
• Unwanted Christmas Gifts: Remember, you do not automatically have rights to return unwanted goods. Most shops, however, will give a limited period for a refund or exchange if you wish to return something. This is a goodwill gesture on their part. Of course, your normal statutory rights covers goods which are not of satisfactory quality or as described. You might be entitled to a refund or replacement if they are not. Try and obtain a receipt at the time of the transaction as you may need proof of purchase to be able to return goods. If in doubt, contact Consumer Direct.
• New Year Resolutions: If you want to join a health club or gym in the New Year, make sure you read the membership conditions carefully before signing on the dotted line. Annual subscriptions will mean the full 12 months, so if you get fed up of exercising by February- you’ll still be paying until the next Hogmanay!
For help and advice on consumer issues, people should contact Consumer Direct on 08454-040-506.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes for editors
Consumer Direct is the Department of Trade and Industry’s telephone hotline for consumers wanting advice. The Consumer Direct (North West) call centre is based in Barrow and handles calls from consumers in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, High Peak, Lancashire and Merseyside.