New Year, New Start…
Saturday 10 January 2009
Now that Christmas is over, you might be left with gifts you want to return, exchange or get a refund on. Here are the Consumer Council’s top tips on making the most of those unwanted Christmas presents.
Exchange, Refund or Return?
Many shops have a generous returns policy and offer an exchange, credit note or refund on unwanted goods. However, by law, you are not automatically entitled to an exchange or refund unless something is faulty.
No receipt - no refund?
No. The law doesn’t insist on you having a receipt to get a refund, but most shops will require you to show some kind of proof of purchase (see below). Each shop has its own returns policy so it’s always worth checking with them first.
Gift Receipts
If you have received a gift receipt (a receipt that does not show the price but may entitle you to a refund, exchange or return) keep it safe and check the expiry date for returns.
Keep your paperwork
If you don’t have a receipt but want a repair, replacement or refund on a faulty item you can use your bank or credit card statement as proof of purchase.
Treat gift vouchers like cash
Gift vouchers are like cash, so keep them safe and always check the expiry date. A staggering 25 per cent of us never cash in our gift vouchers[1]. If you won’t get around to cashing them in, pass them on to family or friends.
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure?
You can pass on unwanted gifts to charities, hospitals and nursing homes. You could even try selling some items on the Internet. If you haven’t done this before check out the tips on http://www.greenusesforwaste.co.uk/avoiding-waste-selling-unwanted-items-online.html. Try www.swapitshop.com for information on swapping unwanted gifts online.
For more information on your consumer rights and responsibilities, contact Consumerline 0845 600 6262 or 028 9025 3900 or www.comsumerline.org
