MARTYN JAMES

A rules and regs refresh around returning goods

- Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist

Are you having trouble returning goods that you've bought in the sales? Are those Christmas gifts not “as described" to put it mildly? You're not alone.

I often hear from readers about retailers who aren't following the laws around returning goods.

Others make it almost impossible to contact them. So what are your rights when it comes to returns? Here's my guide.

Returning goods, the lowdown

Shops that trade in the UK must allow you to return items for free if they are misrepresented or not as advertised. So retailers must have a returns guide on their website informing you how this works.

Some retailers will deliver goods in packaging that can be reused to return the item, so don't rip in to the parcel to get to the goods!

Others have instructions on their website about how to return your purchases.

In this world of new technology, you shouldn't have to print off a returns label any more (in most cases). Most retailers will allow you to return goods through third parties like newsagents, the Post Office or other “drop shops”.