Legal advice for shoppers

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Your legal (statutory) rights

Most of the time shopping is an enjoyable experience, but sometimes no matter how careful you are about choosing what to buy something goes wrong or a product fails to live up to your expectations.

In this situation you have rights under three important pieces of legislation:

• The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended)
• The Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002
• The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (Part 1a)

The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended)
The Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002

These automatically give basic rights to anyone who enters into a contract for the sale of any goods. The contract does not need to be written down, or even explicitly spoken, but in order to enforce these rights you must have proof of purchase.

Goods must be 'as described' on any labels or notices, or in any adverts.

Goods must be of 'satisfactory quality', taking into consideration any description of the goods, their price, and all other relevant circumstances.

Goods must be 'fit for their normal purpose', or any particular purpose you specify to the retailer before you purchase them.

Major exceptions

Services are not covered by this Act, but you still have rights under common law and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 to a reasonable standard of service and the supply of satisfactory goods.

General considerations

Making a purchase involves making a number of important choices, such as:

• Is this what I really want?
• Is it the right colour, size?
• Can I really afford this?
• Have I got the best deal?

It is important to consider these points carefully before making a purchase, because if you change your mind, you may not have the right to return the goods.

Where to buy

There are other important points that you should consider before you buy:

• Don't let persuasive doorstep sellers convince you to make snap decisions to buy goods or services you don't need.
• Try not to make an impulse purchase before you are sure you want the goods.
• Shop around to get the best deal as prices will vary.
• Be wary of street traders and temporary stalls - they may not be there when you wish to complain.

For more information, please contact the Trading Standards service -

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• telephone: 0141 840 3184 (24 hours)
• fax: 0141 842 5457
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Trading Standards
  Environmental Services
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1UG