Consumer Advice

Do you know your rights when you're shopping?  How about when you're shopping online? Have you had a from hell and didn't know who to complain to? Want to know how to avoid being a scam victim?

The Department of Trade and Industry's Consumer Direct (external link), is the one stop shop to help and assistance that will provide the answers to these questions as well as many more.

Not only will it try to help you tackle a specific problem, but also to make informed decisions before buying goods and services.

The Gateway provides advice and links to information on a range of issues including:

Cars

Driving a car is something that millions of us do on a daily basis without giving it a second thought but the whole process of owning, running, buying and selling cars is far from simple and there are several pitfalls ready to swallow up the unwary.

Holidays and travel

You've got your ticket, your passport and your travel insurance - it should be plain sailing. But if not, there are plenty of places to turn to on the internet for help in planning your travels and advice on what to do if things don't work out as you expected.

Home Improvements

Building work can be disruptive, intrusive and expensive, but you can avoid potential problems by planning ahead and being clear about exactly what you want (or don't want) from your builders.

Money and finance

There are hundreds of different ways to borrow, save or invest and, once you step beyond the doors of your high street bank, the financial world can look very daunting - even finding out where you can go to get expert advice isn't as simple as it could be.

There are, however, a good number of government and non-government bodies you can turn to for advice, guidance and protection and many of these organisations are accessible on the Internet.

Safety at home

Simple, everyday activities like preparing food, cleaning windows and DIY are the cause of millions of accidents in our homes each year. The simple fact is that there are many more accidents and deaths in the home than on the roads.

Shopping

Whether you are buying furniture from a discount store, clothes from a mail-order company or a watch from a market stall, you have rights as a consumer under the Sale of Goods Act. These rights are there to protect you from dishonest traders and unfair practices and they apply as much when you buy from abroad over the Internet as they do when you buy in your local shop.

Shopping Online

The internet whether accessed through a computer, digital TV or mobile phone offers convenience, choice, competitive prices and access to a wealth of information. 

Research carried out by the DTI , which also examines UK consumers' cross-border shopping habits and experiences, shows that while consumers have greater confidence in shopping online nowadays, some of the same concerns are preventing more people from spending their money online. 

Utilities

If you are unhappy with the service you are receiving from any of the utility companies, you should first take the matter up direct with the company concerned. Most companies operate an official complaint procedure and will be able to send you a copy of it on request.  

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive to your complaint, there are a number of organisations that have been set up by the Government specifically to help you.

Downloads

The Office of Fair Trading provides a  Shoppers Rights - Your Quick Guide  PDF booklet  (397Kb),  which spells out your legal rights 

 

Information provided by  Consumer Direct (external link)