Your rights as a consumer
Directive 1999/44/EC on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees has been implemented by the United Kingdom.
As a result of this legislation, consumers have a right to a minimum guarantee of two years on products. Within the first six months any lack of conformity shall be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, unless proved otherwise. Within this period the consumer is entitled to have the goods brought back into conformity. The consumer is entitled to ask for the goods to be repaired or replaced free of charge.
The consumer may be able to “reject” the goods and claim a full refund as long as this is requested early enough and the goods have not been used after the fault is discovered. If they have lost this right then the consumer can ask for either a repair or a replacement.
Within six years from delivery of the goods the trader still can be held liable for any lack of conformity; although after the first six months it is up to the consumer to prove that the lack of conformity existed at the time of delivery. In Scotland the time period is within 5 years of the discovery of the lack of conformity.
Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumers.
Exchange
Unless goods are faulty, a consumer does not have a legal right to an exchange. It is at the trader’s discretion.
Pricing
The English currency is Pounds sterling £.
Price tags must clearly show the selling price of all goods to be sold to a private consumer, and this price must be inclusive of VAT. Any additional charges must also be displayed.
Prices do not have to be placed individually on goods but it should be easy for the consumer to identify the items to which particular prices apply.
The consumer cannot insist on getting the item for the same price as indicated on the price tag.
The trader is not obliged to issue a receipt to the consumer.
Tax
On most goods and services a 15 % value added tax -VAT is charged in the U.K.
The VAT on supplies of fuel and power (gas, electricity, solid fuels, heating oils) is 5%.
There is no VAT on some goods and services, e.g. children’s clothing.
Methods of payment
The most common methods of payment are cash, credit cards, debit cards, and cheques.
When paying by credit card, consumers do not have to show identity card.
Sales
Sales in the UK can take place at any time.
Opening hours
Shops’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 09:00 / 09:30 - 17:30 / 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 / 10:30 – 16:00 / 16:30
Shops in large towns do not shut for lunch.
Banks and Post Offices’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 12:00
Sunday: closed
