Be a canny shopper this Christmas
Consumer corner
Trading Standards is encouraging consumers to be vigilant this Christmas and has compiled a 12 Days of Christmas list to make sure you have a happy holiday.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: A receipt for the shirt she bought me. Many stores won’t give refunds on faulty goods without appropriate “proof of purchase” such as a receipt.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Two short measure drinks. Spirits must be sold in pubs in quantities of either 25ml or 35ml. Selling short measures is an offence.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Three tiny sweaters. Many stores will offer exchange or refund on items which are unsuitable, but not faulty, but this is up to the shop and not a legal right. Check the store’s refund policy before you buy.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four fake charity Santa sacks. Make sure that anyone collecting for charity represents a registered charity by going to www.oscr.org.uk and entering the details.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Five gold rings. Shop around if you decide to sell your scrap gold as prices vary enormously. If you’re sending your gold off, make sure the buyer will pay to get it back to you. Only send gold by an insured postal service.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Six ATMs a-skimming. Check cash machines carefully when withdrawing money as skimming devices can be fitted that can steal your card details.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Seven days a-cooling. Most contracts should include a seven-day cooling-off period for you to change your mind.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eight No Cold Calling Zones. NCCZs are designated residential areas where doorstep sellers are told not to call. If you think your area should be a NCCZ, contact Trading Standards.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Nine unsafe toys. Toys should bear a CE mark. Toys with small or magnetic parts should have additional warnings.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Ten gift vouchers. Gift vouchers are only valid for any time limit stated, or as long as the company is trading. If there are additional conditions these should be made clear to you when you buy the vouchers.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 11 fancy candles. Take care as children could confuse goods which have the appearance, form, colour or odour of food –such as candles – with real food.
On the twelth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 12 computer games. Copied games are inferior quality products which may not work on a standard games console.
Merry Christmas!
Need to know
For more information, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tradingstandards