Get clued up for Christmas shopping

To help you keep shopping stress to a minimum this Christmas, make sure you follow trading standards' advice below when you are next out and about at the shops and markets.

Do:

shop around for the best price – it is not illegal for different shops to charge different prices for the same item
check the returns policy of each shop – ask whether you can return unwanted Christmas presents and if there is a time limit
keep receipts – they are a good way of proving purchase of any item, but you can also use bank statements
consider using a credit card if you are buying a present that costs over £100 – if the item is faulty or not fit for purpose you can claim against either the shop or your credit card issuer
check delivery times for online purchases – internet sellers have up to 30 days to deliver anything you order, if you do not agree a delivery date
check children's presents – look for CE Marks, missing parts and instructions

Don't:

don’t unwrap a DVD, CD, game or items such as perfume that you have been bought if you don't like it – otherwise you may not be able to return it to the shop after Christmas
don't buy presents from traders you do not trust – items sold from the back of a van are likely to be of poor quality, possibly unsafe and there is no chance of a refund if any items are faulty or not fit for their purpose
don’t send your credit card details via email if buying items over the internet – only use secure payments web pages which either show an image of a padlock at the bottom of a page or say https at the beginning of the web address
don’t assume that you can get your money back for an unwanted present – many shops offer a credit note or voucher, but they do not have to give your money back unless the gift is faulty.

For free advice on your consumer rights over the Christmas period contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.