OFT roadshow arrives in Bristol to launch new guide on shoppers' rights

PN 11a/02 27 February 2002

A new pocket guide on shoppers' rights is being launched today at the Galleries shopping centre in Bristol, as part of the OFT's South West regional roadshow.

The roadshow is the first of a UK-wide programme of visits by the OFT to raise awareness amongst local consumers of their rights on the high street, so they can make informed decisions when buying goods and services.

Copies of 'Hot Shopping Tips' will be available from an OFT stand at the Galleries shopping centre in Broadmead throughout the day where local Trading Standards officers will also be on hand to give free help and advice to shoppers on anything from faulty goods to internet shopping.

The guide includes the following helpful tips and advice for South West shoppers:

the law states that goods must be of 'satisfactory quality', 'as described' and 'fit for their purpose'
a retailer cannot avoid giving a refund on faulty goods by blaming the manufacturer as the contract is with the seller
a credit card provider is liable as well as the retailer if the item bought costs between £100 and £30,000 and is faulty, broken or doesn't arrive
consumers who shop from home have additional rights, including a cooling off period (usually seven days) in which to change their minds.

The OFT is also holding a seminar this morning in Bristol for small and medium sized businesses in the South West, to listen to their views of how markets are working, to explain the OFT's role and to help their understanding of competition and consumer protection laws.

Launching the guide in Bristol, Penny Boys, Deputy Director General at the Office of Fair Trading said:

'It is important for the OFT to keep in touch with how markets are working for consumers. Bristol has shops and stores that attract millions of people from the South West every year.

'Whether you find shopping a pleasure or a chore, it pays to know your rights. In addition to the new guide, the OFT is working with South West businesses to help ensure they are trading fairly and competitively. This will also benefit local consumers.'

NOTES

1. Download a copy of Hot shopping tips in pdf format (31 kb). Copies are also available by calling 0870 60 60 321.

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