30 day refund rights introduced

The new rules are set to replace eight current pieces of legislation, including The Sale of Goods Act (1979), The Supply of Goods and Services Act (1982) and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations (1999).

However those returning items between one and six months after they bought now face fresh difficulties, he warned.

For the first time anyone who buys faulty goods will be entitled to a full refund for up to 30 days after the purchase.

Those who have paid for their online content could now recoup hundreds of pounds in compensation from providers, thanks to new consumer powers introduced on today as part of the revised Consumer Rights Act.

They will be entitled to a full refund, or a replacement, if the goods are faulty. In this case, the supplier can offer a fix, but has to give a refund or replacement if this doesn’t work.

In summary, the Act provides consumers with a new three-tiered system of remedies for faulty goods. Shoppers are increasingly spending their money on digital content, with more than £2.8 billion spent on downloaded music, video and games last year, up 18% on the previous year. “Getting a refund or fix, dealing with issues with faulty digital downloads and challenging unfair terms should all be made much simpler”, says Which? executive director Richard Lloyd.

Martin Lewis, founder of Moneysavingexpert.com, said: “It’s all very well knowing your rights, but if you and the retailer are in dispute over them, the only sure way to get redress is to go to court and that’s not something most people will want to do if buying a £40 toaster”.

That latter point is also crucial.

Under the act, companies are now no longer allowed to deceive customers by burying hidden charges and other important information in the small print of terms and conditions.

When it comes to contracts, numerous rules are around making them easier to understand, not filling them with jargon and (here’s the best bit) not hiding away fees or prices – something even the most meticulous of us would probably welcome.

Consumer groups will be watching firms to ensure they play fair from now on with consumers.

‘Retailers must now ensure their staff are aware of the changes so they’re not short-changing customers or breaking the law’.

You can find out all about the new rights the Citizens Advice website.

He comments further: “And for the first time, there will be clear rules for what should happen if a service is not provided with reasonable care and skill, or as agreed”.