Christmas shopping tips from Thame CAB

FOLLOW these tips from Thame Citizens Advice Bureau, to make your Christmas buying and returning easier.

Making it easier to take gifts back after Christmas

WHEN you’re buying a gift, it’s useful to ask the retailer to give you a gift receipt – something in writing which shows it’s a gift. This will make it easier for the person who gets the gift to return or exchange it, rather than you having to take it back. But if you buy something using your credit or debit card you’ll need to take it back yourself if the gift’s returned, for any refund to go on your card.

The retailer doesn’t have to take unused goods back by law, but they do for a limited time after the purchase if they have a returns policy. They might also allow returns as a gesture of goodwill. It’s helpful to keep the receipt or online order details to give to the person who’ll be returning the gift.

If you buy online just before Christmas, you have a legal right to cancel within a seven day cooling-off period. Some companies give you 14 days. This also applies if you buy over the phone or by mail order. Check the terms and conditions before you order to see how long you have to change your mind.

Shopping online

If you buy a present online, give yourself plenty of time, just in case there are delivery problems. Read the small print so you know whether the gift can be returned later on if it’s unwanted, and check expected delivery dates.

Make sure you buy from a reputable online company and that you buy from a secure site. Check the web address begins with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.

Delivery problems

Gifts ordered online, over the phone or by mail order must be delivered within 30 days, unless you agree a different delivery date with the retailer. If a present isn’t delivered on time you can cancel the order or agree another delivery date.

If your gift doesn’t arrive or arrives late, you may be able to claim compensation, but you’ll need to read the small print first – if the terms and conditions say that delivery dates are estimated or may vary, you may not be able to.

To claim compensation, write a letter of complaint to the retailer and ask them to compensate you. Tell them why you think you should be compensated and provide proof of your losses.

If the gift is lost during delivery, the retailer is responsible. If they can’t find your goods, you can ask for a refund or replacement.

For more information visit the Citizens Advice website www.adviceguide.org.uk

Adviceline: 08444 111 444
03 00 33 00 650 (Mobile)

Your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau is in the Market Square, Thame