It’s important to know your consumer rights over the festive period
We all love gathering with friends and family over the Christmas period to spend quality time together and open presents.
But what do you do if you receive a gift you’re not a fan of and are keen to return it – especially if it was purchased online? Many of us are turning to online retailers to beat the crowds on the high street – but does this make returns more complicated?
There are different rules for returning a gift bought online, to those bought in person. If a gift was bought in store, most retailers will ask to view your gift receipt if you’re making a return.
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However, some shops may allow you to return items without a gift receipt, but this depends on the individual store’s policy. If a gift is faulty, you don’t need a receipt to return. You just need to show some proof of purchase.
But what about if a gift was bought online? We have put together a guide below for how to return such gifts.
How to return a Christmas present bought online
If your present was bought online, you have up to 14 days to make a return, as outlined by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013.
You’ll have to tell the business within that 14-day period, sometimes filling out a form to do so. You’ll also need to return the item using a postage method acceptable to the retailer.
What if I want to return an item, but there’s nothing wrong with it?
The good news is if the item was bought online or on the phone then you have 14 days to return it, this rule falls under the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013.
In-store purchases are a different matter and will depend on the shop’s policy. You can always call a store or check the retailer’s website for information on its policy.
What if the goods are faulty?
You’ve got lots of rights when it comes to goods or services that don’t work. However, there are certain time limits to bear in mind.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says that you have 30 days, from the date the goods were purchased, to return the item if it’s not as it was described.
You’re entitled to a full refund if the goods are returned within this 30 day period. The money will be refunded into the account of the person making the return.
What if more than 30 days have passed?
If goods are faulty you have up to six months to return them – and the burden of proof is on the retailer to prove the item wasn’t defective or refund you.
They are allowed to have one crack at a repair or replacing the item, but after that, you can ask for a refund.
Even over the six months, all is not lost, though you’ll need to prove why you didn’t realise the item was damaged or that the problem isn’t just down to wear and tear.
Be prepared to compromise though, you could be looking at a repair or a replacement – and if the product has been upgraded since – you aren’t entitled to the newer version.
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