Citizens Advice New Forest urges
Citizens Advice New Forest is reminding shoppers to go back to retailers if they are sold faulty electrical goods this Christmas.
The call comes as part of National Consumer Week (Monday 28th November – Sunday 4 December) which focuses on what people should do if something goes wrong with electrical goods such as laptops, TVs and mobile phones.
Research from the national charity released today reveals that two thirds (66%) of people had a problem with a faulty electrical item in the last two years.
However, 1 in 4 (28%) people were initially turned away by retailers when they tried to get a repair, replacement or refund, despite the retailer having a responsibility to offer a solution.
The survey also showed that persistence paid off, with 61% of those who were turned away eventually getting some form of solution from the retailer.
Last year, Citizens Advice New Forest helped people with 838 queries around consumer rights.
The survey findings suggest that both shoppers and retailers may not be aware of their rights and responsibilities around faulty electrical goods.
As Christmas shopping gets underway, the charity is sharing top tips to help shoppers to get “switched on” to their consumer rights, so they can get problems with electrical goods solved.
Andy Clapper, CEO of Citizens Advice New Forest said:
“This Christmas people don’t need to be stuck with electrical goods that don’t work.
“Knowing your rights means that if something goes wrong, you can approach the retailer for a repair, refund or replacement confident in the knowledge that they should help you find a solution.
“If you’ve had a problem with faulty electrical goods and need advice, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk and look up “Faulty Goods”. You will find what you need to do whatever the type of goods or how you purchased them. If you still need help, call into one of our Citizens Advice offices or ring our Consumer Helpline: 03454 04 05 06.