Shopping for Bargains? Check out Your Consumer Rights

The new Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into force on 1 October and covers all purchases since that date.

The new Act sets out your rights which are summarised as:

1. 30 days to get a refund:  For the first time a specific timeframe has been created in which you can reject a faulty item and get a full refund - now 30 days.
2. A 'tiered' remedy system:  In place for faulty goods, digital content and services, this means your rights to a refund are now more clearly set out. Whether you're entitled to a refund depends on how long you've owned the product.
3. Failed repairs:  After one failed attempt by the retailer to repair or replace a faulty item, you're entitled to ask for a refund or price reduction.
4. A second repair or replacement:  If you don't want a refund or price reduction, you have the right to request another repair or replacement at no cost to you.
5. Deductions from refunds: No deduction can be made from a refund in the first six months after purchase. The only exception to this is motor vehicles, where a reasonable reduction may be made for the use you’ve had of the vehicle.
6. Digital content rights:  This new law gives consumers rights in relation to online digital content that is paid for, digital content supplied free with other paid for items and digital content supplied on a physical medium, such as a DVD.
7. Unfair terms in consumer contracts:  It will now be easier for consumers to challenge hidden fees and charges.  Now the key terms of a contract, including price, may be assessed for fairness unless they’re both prominent and transparent.
8. Pre-contract information: The Consumer Rights Act states that if a retailer provides pre-contract information in relation to a service and the consumer takes this information into account, the service must comply with that information.

 For further help, see the consumer advice section of our website.