Shopping for Bargains? Check out Your Consumer Rights
Date published: 24th December 2015The new Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into force on 1 October and covers all purchases since that date.
The new Act sets out your rights which are summarised as:
- 30 days to get a refund: For the first time a specific timeframe has been created in which you can reject a faulty item and get a full refund - now 30 days.
- A 'tiered' remedy system: In place for faulty goods, digital content and services, this means your rights to a refund are now more clearly set out. Whether you're entitled to a refund depends on how long you've owned the product.
- Failed repairs: After one failed attempt by the retailer to repair or replace a faulty item, you're entitled to ask for a refund or price reduction.
- A second repair or replacement: If you don't want a refund or price reduction, you have the right to request another repair or replacement at no cost to you.
- Deductions from refunds: No deduction can be made from a refund in the first six months after purchase. The only exception to this is motor vehicles, where a reasonable reduction may be made for the use you’ve had of the vehicle.
- Digital content rights: This new law gives consumers rights in relation to online digital content that is paid for, digital content supplied free with other paid for items and digital content supplied on a physical medium, such as a DVD.
- Unfair terms in consumer contracts: It will now be easier for consumers to challenge hidden fees and charges. Now the key terms of a contract, including price, may be assessed for fairness unless they’re both prominent and transparent.
- Pre-contract information: The Consumer Rights Act states that if a retailer provides pre-contract information in relation to a service and the consumer takes this information into account, the service must comply with that information.
For further help, see the consumer advice section of our website.