Shopping rights and shopping wrongs

OFT roadshow arrives in South Wales

PN 73/02 4 November 2002

South Wales shoppers are being urged to stand up for their shopping rights as part of a major OFT consumer awareness campaign.

Following a local radio advertising campaign in the region, the OFT will be visiting Pontypridd market on Wednesday 6 November to distribute 'Hot shopping tips', its new pocket guide on shoppers' rights. Local trading standards officers will also be on hand to give shoppers free help and advice on anything from second-hand cars to doorstep selling.
Download Hot shopping tips in pdf format (16 kb).

The visit forms part of the OFT's regional roadshow programme which aims to raise awareness among local consumers of their rights on the high street.

The 'Hot shopping tips' guide includes the following helpful tips and advice for South Wales shoppers:

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 – for example on the internet or from a catalogue – have additional rights, including a cooling off period (usually seven days) in which to change their minds
any goods you purchase 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.

The OFT is also holding a seminar on the morning of 6 November at the University of Glamorgan's Business Centre in Pontypridd for small and medium sized businesses across South Wales, to explain the OFT's role, listen to their views of how markets are working and help their understanding of competition and consumer protection laws.

Launching the South Wales roadshow, John Vickers, Director General of Fair Trading said:

'The OFT is interested in how markets are working for consumers in South Wales and across the UK.

'If consumers know their rights on the high street, they can get a better deal and resolve any problems more effectively.'

The OFT stand will be located in the indoor market between 9.00 and 16.30 on Wednesday 6 November.

NOTES

1. Media copies of 'Hot shopping tips' are available from the Government News Network (formerly COI) or the OFT's press office.

2. Non-media copies of 'Hot shopping tips' are available by calling 0870 60 60 321. You can also download Hot shopping tips in pdf format (16 kb)

3. South Wales is the sixth in the OFT's series of regional roadshows. Previous roadshows have taken place in Bristol, Leeds, Belfast, Newcastle and Kent. (For further details on the roadshows programme see OFT release 11/02)

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