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The phrase caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) fortunately need no longer be at the front of shoppers' minds. In the UK, there are a surprising number of laws specifically tailored to protect you whenever you part with your hard-earned cash.
Many people don't know they exist, but if you see any of the following laws being breached, you're within your rights to kick up a fuss.
Whatever it is that you're buying, the seller has a legal obligation to make sure that it is:
1) Of satisfactory quality - and that means free from even small flaws and defects, unless it's been specifically advertised as having any.
2) Fit for its purpose. As well as basic descriptions - a tin opener, for example, has to be able to open tins - this stretches to more specific details. If you are told that a type of vacuum cleaner bag fits a certain model, and it turns out not to, you are entitled to your money back.
3) As described. If an item is not as it was described to you, you are free to return it.
They also have to be safe and not in a state that will cause damage to any of your other property. If your toaster (for example) bursts into flames and destroys something worth more than £275, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for compensation - one of the reasons you should always keep receipts as proof of purchase and value.
However, you should act quickly and return the goods as soon as possible; once you are considered to have legally "accepted" any item (taken it and used it), refunds are at the discretion of the seller, who may only wish to give you a credit note or replacement in place of a refund.
You can't return an item for being faulty if you have:
Shopping from home can lead to further complications as often you'll be buying from outside of the UK. Check the laws of the country you're shopping from if you receive faulty goods; the Consumer direct website and helpline will help you here.
