Top Tips for Being a Savvy Shopper

Top tips from Trading Standards for being a 'savvy shopper' and avoiding shocking stocking fillers this Christmas:

1. Shop around for the best price before you buy - but avoid purchasing from a person or place that might not offer you the consumer protection rights that you are entitled to.
   
2. Remember the three 'Ps' to avoid counterfeits - person, place, price. As counterfeit goods can be unsafe, as well as fake and shoddy. Think about the person, place and price of where you are buying from. If goods are faulty or unsafe, your chances of a refund from an unknown street seller, car boot sale, pubs or clubs are remote. If your bargain seems too good to be true, then it probably is! For further information please visit the Say No to Fakes Anti Counterfeiting Group (ACG) website.
   
3. Look for the 'Lion Mark' on toys and games. This mark, developed by the British Toy & Hobby Association, indicates that the supplier has signed a strict code of practice covering toy safety, as well as issues of advertising and counterfeiting. Choose carefully the toy for the child, checking the label for the age group for which it is suitable. Also think how a toy meant for an older child could be kept out of the way of a younger sibling, for whom it may not be suitable. As with any goods, buy from reputable retailers.
   
4. Get a receipt for the gift you are buying so you have proof of purchase. Receipts mean you may be able to return the gift you have bought outside the 28 days stores normally allow. If you need the goods to do something specific, ask the seller to write down that the items will perform the function you want.
   
5. Buying clothes and shoes - examine stitching and seams in garments and look carefully for poor quality seals between upper and lower soles on shoes. Remember that you have no right to return shoes or clothing simply because they do not fit. So, unless you are sure what you are buying will fit, you may wish to buy store vouchers instead.
   
6. When buying online, check expected delivery dates and make sure you order in good time for your gift to arrive. Distance Selling Regulations mean that online sellers have 30 days to supply your goods from the day after you place your order - unless you have paid extra for early delivery. Because you cannot see goods bought online close up, Distance Selling Regulations state that you generally have seven working days from the day after your goods arrive to return them for a refund, if they are not to your liking or do not meet your requirements. However, some things, including flowers, perishable items like food and certain services cannot be returned.
   
7. Gift vouchers can be a great idea - but you need to be aware of the terms and conditions, often found in the small print. This will tell you when the vouchers expire, which is something that is easy to miss.
   
8. Christmas food - always check the best before date or use by date before you buy and that the packaging is in good condition and has not been opened.

If you are concerned about the quality or safety of something you have bought or need further advice, contact Consumer Direct on 0845 04 05 06.

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