Your rights when wronged

MONEY is tight this Christmas and you don't want to throw it away by giving or receiving presents that are faulty, damaged or nobody wants.

- Harvey Jones

You have plenty of rights of redress, although not quite as many as you may think. There are times you may have to rely on retailers' goodwill.

Consumer Helen champion Dewdney (thecomplainingcow.co.uk), sets out how to save your seasonal cheer if the following things go wrong.

You're sent a faulty item: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are entitled to goods free from defects, of satisfactory quality, that match description and last a reasonable time.

If in breach, you are entitled to a full refund up to 30 days from purchase. After that, your rights are reduced, although you should be offered a repair or replacement. In both cases, you should not have to pay return post if you bought online.

A damaged delivery: Your contract is with the retailer, not the courier, so complain to them. "Some stores may fob you off. Don't let them because it's their responsibility," Dewdney says.