Consumeradvice

Consumer Rights

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 …

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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 …

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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 »

I have been waiting on the delivery of gifts for my family that I ordered online. This has been going on for some time, and I am starting to wonder if I can just cancel them to buy elsewhere in case they don’t come in time for Christmas. Can you help?

There are various things that could be causing the delays, but your statutory rights are the same, regardless of the reason(s) for delay supplied by the retailer. If an online retailer has advised that you should have received items within a particular timeframe, then you should have received them within this period. This year, it …

I have been waiting on the delivery of gifts for my family that I ordered online. This has been going on for some time, and I am starting to wonder if I can just cancel them to buy elsewhere in case they don’t come in time for Christmas. Can you help? Read More »

Christmas Shopping Online: Avoiding Payment Pitfalls and Knowing Our Rights

The way we interact with retailers and other traders has changed considerably over the course of the last few years. With many of us turning to online shopping out of necessity during the pandemic, and continuing to do so now, many high street retailers have reduced the number of physical stores they have as a …

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Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2022 – Avoiding Regretful Bargains and Dangerous Products

Hot off the heels of National Consumer Week Scotland 2022 last week, Advice Direct Scotland are asking Scottish consumers to wear their ‘savvy shopper’ badges pride of place for a bit longer – to help avoid being caught out by counterfeit cosmetics and problematic products in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This year, …

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