Top tips for Christmas shopping

For consumer advice, which is supported by local authorities in Wales, please contact Consumer Direct Wales.

• Always keep receipts. It’s up to you to provide proof of purchase if you want to return goods.
• Check the goods are working as soon as you’ve bought them. If something is faulty return it as quickly as possible.
• Know your rights. Goods have to be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for their intended purpose. If they are not you can ask for a refund, a repair or a replacement.
• Consider paying for items over £100 by credit card. This gives you extra protection if something goes wrong because you can claim against the credit card company as well as the retailer.
• Take care when buying toys. Check for a CE Safety Mark and make sure the toy is suitable for the child’s age.
• When buying online always use a secure site. Obtain the seller’s name and address and do not ever send your credit card or personal details via e-mail. Remember that you have a seven-day cooling off period for purchases bought online.
• Shop around and compare prices. Different shops can charge different prices for the same items.
• Check the shop’s policy on returning items that are just unsuitable and not faulty. Shops do not have to give a refund for unsuitable goods. Some may offer an exchange or a credit note but by law, they do not have to offer anything at all.
• Look for the validity of gift vouchers. They are normally valid for 12 months from the date of purchase but not always. Some shops will offer you vouchers when returning faulty goods, but you don’t have to accept them.
• Know who you are buying from. Buy from reputable traders and don’t fall for counterfeit items. They may be cheap but they will be of poor quality and possibly unsafe. Clothes, CD’s, Games, DVD’s and perfumes are all popular with counterfeiters. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Top tips for shopping online

Make sure you're getting a good deal

• Shop around using price comparison sites and multiple search engines.
• When comparing prices, check that the advertised price includes everything you have to pay, eg tax and delivery charges.

Know who you're dealing with

• Check the trader's details on their website, including postal and email addresses.
• Don't assume '.uk' means that the seller is based in the UK.
• Read all trader reviews and help others by writing reviews.
• Check if the seller is a member of a trust scheme, such as Internet Shopping Is Safe (ISIS) or Safebuy as a sign that the retailer is committed to good practice.

Know your distance selling rights

• Check your cancellation rights before making a purchase. Under the Distance Selling Regulations you can get a full refund on many products if you cancel within seven working days after the day of receipt.
• If returning goods you are entitled to a refund of the original delivery cost but check the terms and conditions to see who will cover the cost of returning them.
• Traders are not allowed to deduct a restocking charge or administration fee for returned goods.
• If you wish to cancel, you must take reasonable care of the goods you are returning.
• Check and keep all receipts, order confirmations and correspondence.
• Goods should be delivered within 30 days after date of order, unless you agree to a different delivery timeframe.
• Complain to the trader if you have a problem shopping online.
• Contact Consumer Direct if the trader does not resolve your problem.

Protect your personal and financial information

• Use security software and keep it up to date.
• Look for a padlock symbol or 'https' in the website address before inputting personal details.
• If you use a credit card for purchases of £100 or more, you may get reimbursement from the credit card company if something goes wrong.
• Check your bank and credit card statements regularly and contact your bank immediately if you think your details have been disclosed.

For further information and advice on distance selling, contact
Consumer Direct Wales.