Know Your Consumer Rights
The KYCR campaign was launched on the premise that consumers need a basic level of knowledge and understanding of their consumer rights to make good decisions and take action if something goes wrong.
It is also recognised that consumer demand is the most effective force in activating change in markets, so by educating people and empowering them to act on their rights it is expected to drive businesses to comply with the law (Sale of Goods Act and Distance Selling Regulations).
Campaign and focus
The campaign
The campaign provides consumers with practical tips and informs them of their rights including the following:
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Knowing your consumer rights can save you money and hassle
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Items you buy must be:
- fit for purpose
- of satisfactory quality
- fit the description given -
Shop around and do research to get the best deal
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If you encounter a problem talk to the trader as soon as possible
Campaign focus
Focus for the campaign has been selected using Consumer Direct call data. Materials focus on the following sectors:
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Used cars
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Domestic electrical goods
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Furniture
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Clothing
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Online
Used cars
Know your consumer rights when buying as used car
As the economy is not recovering as quickly as everyone would like, car owners are keeping their vehicles longer and expect them to last. Owners also expect higher quality, value for money and may be more likely to return faulty cars.
Read the full campaign strategy: Know Your Consumer Rights (pdf 160kb)
Know your consumer rights when buying a used car - View video
Fashion
Know your consumer rights when buying clothing
With woman's fashion being one of the highest areas for consumer detriment, it is important for those buying clothing items to know what their rights are and what they are entitled to when it comes to repairs, refunds or replacements.
The OFT has developed a short, animated, online video to help educated & make people feel more confident when buying clothing items.
Know your consumer rights when buying clothing - View video
Electricals
Know your consumer rights when buying domestic electrical goods
Household budgets are continuing to feel the squeeze of increased living costs and inflation. Job uncertainty and the poor state of the housing market is further fuelling people's reluctance to spend. Consumers are naturally more cautious when it comes to buying high cost goods, the majority will only buy electricals as replacement items and a large proportion will wait for special offers. Compare prices and know your rights before purchasing.
Know your consumer rights when buying electrical goods - View video
Buying online
Know your consumer rights when buying online
If you buy goods or service online you may have more legal rights. Make sure you know what they are so you can shop with confidence.
Know your consumer rights when buying online - View video
Furniture
Know your consumer rights when buying furniture
Know your consumer rights when buying furniture - View video
Resources and materials
The OFT have created free marketing materials for partners to use to help communicate these messages to consumers. These include short online videos and a consumer leaflet. For more information see the sections below.
Know your consumer rights campaign leaflet (pdf 1.03Mb)
Know your consumer rights videos
The OFT has produced a collection of short online video guides. These can be viewed on this site using the links in the section below.
Sale of Goods Act hub 'For customers' leaflet
Download the SOGA hub 'For customers' leaflet that provides simplified guidance on the Sale of Goods Act for sharign with your customers.
This flyer is available in the following formats:
All Know Your Consumer Rights Videos
The OFT has produced a collection of short online video guides. These can be viewed on this site using the links below.
Know your consumer rights when buying a used car - View video
Know your consumer rights when buying online - View video
Know your consumer rights when buying clothing - View video
Know your consumer rights when buying electrical goods - View video
Know your consumer rights when buying furniture - View video
All of the video guides can be accessed through the OFT YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/OFTWebEditor
Contact
To find out more about the campaign, please contact emily.frizzell@oft.gsi.gov.uk
