Know your consumer rights when buying furniture
Know your consumer rights when buying furniture
Buying furniture? Make sure you know your legal rights.
For further information about your consumer rights and advice on how to complain to a trader visit Citizens Advice
Visit our YouTube channel to access all videos. There is also a free campaign leaflet (pdf 1.03Mb) you can order by calling 0800 389 3158 and quoting 1383.
Know your consumer rights when buying furniture
Video transcript
FVO: You know what it's like when you buy a new sofa. The shop assistant tells you it's a 'Manager's Special'. Yes, it comes with a footstool. Yes, it's built to last. Yes, it can easily be dismantled to fit through your front door.
But as soon as it arrives, things start to go wrong… The footstool is invisible. The sofa's falling apart at the seams… And you'll need to take the window out, just to get it in!
Well, here's some good news.
You may have parted with your hard earned cash, but as soon as you've entered into a contract with the seller you have rights. The Sale of Goods Act states that any item you buy from a trader - someone selling goods as a business such as a shop or online shop - must be:
- Of satisfactory quality
- Fit for purpose
- And as described
If it isn't, the item is faulty and you should contact the trader as soon as possible, because you can usually get a repair, replacement or refund. So, next time you buy any item of furniture, get any agreements in writing and make sure you ask all the right questions…
What's included in the price? When will it be delivered? If it needs dismantling, will they put it back together again? Does it come flat packed or preassembled?
Check your manufacturer's warranty or home insurance. They may provide additional legal rights on top of the ones you already have under the contract with the seller. Either way, make sure you know your legal rights. So you can have confidence when you buy. You have even more rights if you buy online, by phone or by mail order.
Find out more at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk
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