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Buying goods

 
If you have bought something new from a trader, the law says the goods must be:

Of satisfactory quality

This means that items should:

  • work and do their job properly
  • be free from minor defects
  • have a reasonable appearance and finish
  • be safe and hard-wearing.
Remember that cheaper goods cannot be expected to be as good as something that is more expensive.

Fit for their purpose

This means that if you ask for something for a particular purpose - eg. a paint that can be used for radiators - the goods must do that job.

As described

This means that if any description of the item is given, it must be true. 

The description could be:

  • on the packaging
  • in an advert
  • a sample
  • anything said by a trader.
For example, if a coat is advertised or labelled as 80% wool, it must have 80% wool in it. If you chose a carpet from a sample in the shop, the carpet supplied must match the sample.

Secondhand goods

If you buy secondhand goods from a trader the same rules apply, but you have to think about the age of the goods Obviously, the older they are the more wear and tear you must expect.

Things to remember

These rights apply even if your trader has put up a sign or added "small print" to advertisement to say that they don't.

However:

  • If you have damaged or misused the goods, you have no rights at all.
  • Nothing lasts forever - all goods will wear out in time.
  • If you buy from somebody who is not an official trader, you have less rights.

A to Z of Services

Consumer Direct

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