Your rights as a consumer
When you buy any goods or services from a trader you are making a legally binding contract. Your part of the contract is that you will pay the agreed price. The trader's obligations are set down by laws such as The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended). This states that goods supplied must be 'of satisfactory quality', 'as described' and fit for a particular purpose made known to the seller. Therefore, if you buy something which does not meet the requirement the trader is in breach of contract and you are entitled to compensation, for example your money back. Similar laws apply to traders who have provided a service.
Extra protection
But what if the trader refuses to compensate you, or has gone out of business? If you have bought something costing more than £100 on credit -either through a credit agreement or on a credit card -you may be able to claim against the credit company. (The amount of credit you are given must be less than £25,000).
This is known as equal liability -the credit company is equally liable for any claim you have against the trader.
You can choose to claim against the trader, the credit company or both. However, it is usually better to claim from the trader first if he is still in business.
It does not apply if you arrange your own credit, for example by taking out a bank loan, or if you use your credit card to obtain cash to pay for something.
Please note:
Although equal liability applies to credit cards, it does not apply to debit cards, or charge cards like American Express or Diner's Club, where you have to settle the full amount each month.
For Further Information
Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards Advice Centres offer unbiased and friendly advice to both consumers and traders.
If you need help or just want some general advice, why not call in to your local centre, or telephone the advice line on 0845 050 5200.
Trading Standards
4th Floor
County Hall
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP
Trading Standards
17B The Square
Retford
Nottinghamshire
DN22 6DB
E-mail: tsadvice@nottscc.gov.uk
To make a consumer complaint online: www.consumercomplaints.org.uk