This is National Consumer Week and Trading Standards officers are out and about in Hackney telling people how to be savvy Christmas shoppers.

Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “Being savvy means knowing your rights and making sure you always get the best deal. Purse strings are extra tight this year and no one wants to feel ripped off. Remember as a consumer you are protected by law. Don’t feel pressurised into buying anything and always shop around for the best deal.”

Remember your rights and shop smart -

•If you buy something online, you normally have seven working days after delivery to change your mind and ask for a full refund, although the item must be unused. Always check you’re happy with the purchase as soon as it arrives;
•When buying gifts, check what the store returns policy is and enquire about gift receipts;
•Remember if you buy something in a pre-Christmas sale but find it’s faulty, you have the same rights to return it as with non-sale items. However it is very important to report faulty goods quickly to the retailer;
•You should get a written notice of your cancellation rights from any sales person who sells you something in your home (e.g. double-glazing). If they don’t produce one, think twice about handing over your money;
•Goods bought on the internet, over the phone, by mail order or through a TV shopping channel must be delivered within 30 days (unless otherwise stated) or you’re entitled to your money back;
•Consider putting purchases, which are over £100 and less than £30,000 on a credit card. That way, if you buy something from a company and it goes bust and doesn’t deliver what you’ve bought (e.g. a piece of furniture) you can claim your money back from the credit card company.

For more advice on being savvy and getting the best deals this Christmas, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or Hackney Trading Standards 020 8356 4929.