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<<<back
to consumer tips
It’s that time
of year when the shops seem crammed with irresistible bargains -
half price, huge reductions, 30% off, two for one.....
Serious shoppers
will agree, there’s nothing quite like a bargain. And at sale time
in particular it pays to know your rights to make sure you don’t
get more than you bargained for!
Sale
goods
you have the same rights to a refund, replacement or repair as you
do with non-sale goods - unless the goods were discounted because
of a fault or damage that was clearly marked or pointed out to you.
Changed your mind? If you decide you don’t like something or it
doesn’t suit you, a shop may give you a credit note or your money
back but, legally they don’t have to - unless the goods are faulty.
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Read
the contract carefully before signing.
•
Have somebody with you when you sign.
•
Check
the final total carefully.
•
Keep
copies of all signed papers.
•
You have 7 days after signing to cancel.
Trading
Standards wants to hear from any consumers, or organisations,
who know about companies offering to sell security systems
over the phone. Call 08457 444466
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Older
people - beware
Older people are being targeted by rogue companies who persuade
them to part with thousands of pounds for unsuitable and expensive
alarm systems, services and warranties. The company phones, arranges
a visit and persuades the consumer to buy a system. They then sell
other extras which cost much more than the original price.
Put
Your Foot Down On Doorstep Sales
"Congratulations you have won a prize!"...."I’m doing a survey"...."I’ve
noticed you have a few tiles missing" If you get an unexpected knock
at the door from someone you don’t know - beware! Follow our advice
to ensure you don’t get duped by a doorstep trickster:
| BEAT
THE DOORSTEP TRICKSTERS |
•
FIX
a security chain to your door and make sure you use it every
time someone calls
•
BE FIRM- if in doubt say ‘no thanks’ and close the door •
Find out the name and address of the seller’s company
•
DO THEY HAVE ID - is there someone you can call to check their
ID?
• ASK YOURSELF: Do I want or need this? Can I afford it? Could
I get it cheaper somewhere else? Do I know and trust the seller?
Is this offer too good to be true?
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ASK THEN SELLER: What happens if you change your mind?
•
ASK for more time if you’re not sure
•
PAY by credit card for items over £100 - this offers some
protection • Get a receipt with the name, address and phone
number of the company on it
•
IF a caller refuses to leave, call the police. If you need
help or advice on dealing with doorstep salespeople contact
your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards.
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STOP
PRESS WARNING! If you get a call from an American company
selling holidays DON’T give out your credit card details. If you
change your mind about the holiday you may not be able to get your
money back.
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Published
by the Norfolk Consumer Support Network which includes:
• Citizens’ Advice Bureaux
• Norfolk County Council Trading Standards
• Norfolk County Council Youth & Community Services
• Norwich City Council Advice & Information Service
• 91Èȱ¬ Radio Norfolk
• Age Concern, Norwich
• Norfolk County Council Adult Education Service
Help
Desk:
Norfolk County Council Trading Standards 08457 444466
Loan Shark Hotline 01603 222749
Norfolk Debtline 01603 763980
Age Concern Norwich 01603 496333
Citizens' Advice Bureaux:
Attleborough 01953 456680
Dereham 01362 697776
Diss 01379 651333
Downham Market 01366 383899
Fakenham 01328 856040
Great Yarmouth 01493 856665
Holt 01263 713849
King’s Lynn 01553 774719
Marham 01760 338347
North Walsham 01692 402570
Norwich 01603 765783
Thetford 01842 752777
Watton 01953 882746
Wells 01328 711818
Wymondham 01953 603977
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