Issued By West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service

TRADING STANDARDS’ TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

On the twelfth day of Christmas Trading Standards said to me:

Twelve Dodgy Dealers Avoid counterfeit goods.  Often they are poor quality and the seller is operating illegally.

Eleven Stocking Fillers You have no rights if the gift is unwanted.  You are relying on the trader’s goodwill and should check their returns policy.

Ten Lights a Burning      Make sure fairy lights are safe and have the CE mark.

Nine Faulty Presents Always examine presents as soon as you can and take any defective goods back immediately.  The sooner you take them back the more rights you have.

Eight Shops a Shutting At Christmas time empty shops are often occupied by traders offering cheap goods.  They may often be of poor quality and the trader may no longer be there in the New Year.

Seven Cards a Swiping Pay for goods over £100 on a credit card.  You may have extra protection if things go wrong.

Six Festive Bargains Don’t be too hasty to grab a bargain.  If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Five Doorbell Rings Beware of doorstep sellers. A lot of household burglaries happen over the Christmas period and doorstep calling is often the way many unscrupulous burglars gain entry into your house.

Four Vouchers Dated Check the expiry dates if you are buying gift vouchers as a present.

Three Guarantees You are not obliged to buy a guarantee or warranty.  Many give no more protection that you already have by law.  Check the small print to see what you are covered for.

Two Turkey Dinners Check the best before and use by dates on all perishable food you buy over the festive period.

And don’t forget to keep your receipt!!

If you cannot resolve your complaint you can contact the West Yorkshire Consumer Helpline, on 01133 848 848 Mon - Fri 8.30 – 6.30, Saturday 9.00 – 1.00

Councillor Graham Clarke, Chairman of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Committee said  ‘Christmas can be a busy time for traders and consumers. By following the advice of Trading Standards, you should be well on the way to avoiding problems over the season of goodwill. However, if things go wrong the consumer helpline advisors will give practical legal advice to try and ensure you have a Merry Christmas.”
 

For further information please contact:

Graham Hebblethwaite, Divisional Manager/ General Media Contact 0113 289 8218