Consumeradvice

Consumer Rights

I spotted a dress in a high street store that was on sale and when I got the till, the shop assistant explained that it was incorrectly labelled, and the item would be more expensive. I then got home and saw the item listed at the original price that was on the tag. What can I do?

Was the trader obligated to sell the item at a lower price? The trader correcting the error before you purchased the item was the most appropriate course of action. The trader advertising items on sale is known as ‘invitation to treat’.  Even though the items were labelled at the discounted price, the trader is not obligated to …

I spotted a dress in a high street store that was on sale and when I got the till, the shop assistant explained that it was incorrectly labelled, and the item would be more expensive. I then got home and saw the item listed at the original price that was on the tag. What can I do? Read More »

I have had a painter and decorator working in my home for a couple of weeks. They have given me the final total for the work being carried out, which is almost double the amount we agreed initially. I do not think this is right. Can you offer any advice?

  Agreements on final prices can differ when we take on a tradesperson to do work for us. Some companies may offer an estimate at the beginning of the job, whilst others may have agreed on a set price with you based on the requirements of the job. A set price is often referred to as …

I have had a painter and decorator working in my home for a couple of weeks. They have given me the final total for the work being carried out, which is almost double the amount we agreed initially. I do not think this is right. Can you offer any advice? Read More »

I paid by credit card for a tattoo from a specialist artist a year ago, and the person who was meant to complete the work has left the studio. They told me that I can pick someone else to do the tattoo, but there is a massive wait time and I just want my money back. What can I do?

In this situation, you have a few options available to you, particularly if you only agreed to pay for the work based on a specific artist. When you agree to pay a trader for goods or services you are entering into a contract. Each contract that you enter will have its own set of terms …

I paid by credit card for a tattoo from a specialist artist a year ago, and the person who was meant to complete the work has left the studio. They told me that I can pick someone else to do the tattoo, but there is a massive wait time and I just want my money back. What can I do? Read More »

I have been going round in circles trying to sort out my energy bills with my supplier. I made a complaint to them about three months ago in relation to a mix up with my meter and bills but can’t get through to speak to them now. Can you help?

It is important that we follow the individual process for complaining to our energy supplier if we have to do so. It is always best to ensure we do this in writing, either by email or letter to them, so that we have evidence of our communication. The process can usually be found on the …

I have been going round in circles trying to sort out my energy bills with my supplier. I made a complaint to them about three months ago in relation to a mix up with my meter and bills but can’t get through to speak to them now. Can you help? Read More »

I recently purchased gift vouchers for my daughter and I to attend a prosecco lunch in a hotel together, but she couldn’t go on the day we had planned. I just tried to rebook but noticed they have expired a few weeks ago. What can I do?

The course of action you should take in this situation will depend on a few factors. When you purchase gift cards or vouchers for experiences from a trader, you are bound by the terms and conditions that are made or known at the point of purchase. If the expiry date conditions weren’t clear at the …

I recently purchased gift vouchers for my daughter and I to attend a prosecco lunch in a hotel together, but she couldn’t go on the day we had planned. I just tried to rebook but noticed they have expired a few weeks ago. What can I do? Read More »

Flybe Enter Administration – Your Consumer Rights and Claiming a Refund

Airline Flybe has announced that they have entered administration. On the 28th of January 2023, the High Court appointed David Pike and Mike Pink as Joint Administrators of Flybe Limited (“Flybe”). This will be a cause for concern for those booked to travel with the airline, both as a standalone purchase, as well as those …

Flybe Enter Administration – Your Consumer Rights and Claiming a Refund Read More »

I bought myself new gym equipment as an early Christmas present in December but left it until now to open the box. There is a crack down the middle of one of the pieces which means I can’t build it up. I don’t know if I’ve left it too late now to return it. Can you help?

When you purchase goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that they should be of satisfactory quality. This means that there should be no faults or damage and the goods should be durable. The goods should also be the same as any sample or model that you were shown; match the seller’s …

I bought myself new gym equipment as an early Christmas present in December but left it until now to open the box. There is a crack down the middle of one of the pieces which means I can’t build it up. I don’t know if I’ve left it too late now to return it. Can you help? Read More »

Festive Sales & Purchases: Returns & Refund Rights

With many products and services being more expensive than in previous years, it’s important to ensure that things we buy meet the required standards and we are getting what we paid for. But what happens if they don’t? How can we ensure our consumer rights are being upheld and we are making the most of …

Festive Sales & Purchases: Returns & Refund Rights Read More »

I have made the mistake of overspending at the post-Christmas sales in previous years and worry that I am going to do this again. I already have debts that I am struggling with and don’t want to make it any worse, but there are things that I need. Can you help?

Post-festive and new year sales can be a good time to pick up a bargain, both online and on the high street. However, it is important to take into consideration whether we really need items, especially when money is tighter. Think about how much money you can afford to spend during the sales before you …

I have made the mistake of overspending at the post-Christmas sales in previous years and worry that I am going to do this again. I already have debts that I am struggling with and don’t want to make it any worse, but there are things that I need. Can you help? Read More »

Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS) Payments (EBRS and EPG Schemes) through landlords / intermediaries

In September we looked at the Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS), and how payments are being made through the scheme to help with energy costs between October 2022 and March 2023. The package of support for all eligible UK households is providing £400 to help offset energy price increases, with the discount being supplied monthly, …

Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS) Payments (EBRS and EPG Schemes) through landlords / intermediaries Read More »