East Dunbartonshire Council is urging residents to seek redress from retailers that sell faulty electrical goods this Christmas after a survey found two-thirds of consumers have bought problem goods in the last two years.
The advice comes at the launch of National Consumer Week which runs until Sunday 4 December and encourages people to get ‘Switched On’ to their consumer rights and shop with confidence.
The Citizens Advice research reveals 1 in 4 (28%) people were initially turned away by retailers when they tried to get a repair, replacement or refund, despite the retailer having a responsibility to offer a solution.
The survey also showed that persistence paid off, with 61% of those who were turned away eventually getting some form of solution from the retailer.
It is hoped that directing consumers’ minds during the busy Christmas period will help them to understand their rights which they can exercise all year round.
As part of National Consumer Week 2016, East Dunbartonshire Council’s Trading Standards Service has organised two events on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 December to provide information and free and impartial advice on a range of consumer issues.
It is hoped that telling people about consumer law during the busy Christmas period will help them to understand their rights all year round.
Our specialist advisors will be on hand at the following venues:
- Thursday 1 December, 10.30am - 2pm, at Waitrose, Glasgow Road, Milngavie
- Friday 2 December, 10.30am - 2pm, at Kirkintilloch Community Hub, William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch
Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council Rhondda Geekie said, “Our Trading Standards Team provides an extremely valuable service for local residents all year round, but National Consumer Week always gives them the opportunity to highlight particularly topical consumer issues and to outline some of the ways in which they protect our local community.
“This year’s theme of ‘Switched On’ is underpinned by research which has identified a large number of problems with electrical goods
“Consumers who know their rights shop with confidence, saving time and money, which is good for all concerned.
“People should consider their rights whenever they make a purchase but they may wish to take extra care at Christmas.
“Nobody wants to give or receive a defective product but it is important to know how to resolve any issues, should they arise.
“I hope that local people make the most of this great opportunity and come to speak directly to our officers at these events during National Consumer Week 2016.
“Any local resident that ever has a concern about the purchase of goods or services, a possible scam, doorstep callers, or any other consumer issue, should always contact the Council’s skilled and experienced Trading Standards Team for help and advice by telephone on 0345 123 4510 or by e-mail at trading.standards@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.”
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