Consumeradvice

Consumer Rights

Navigating Safety Concerns: E-Scooters and E-Bikes as Christmas Presents

As the festive season approaches, the popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes as Christmas presents has soared, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for many Scots. However, consumers must be vigilant about potential safety hazards associated with these products. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has released a crucial safety advisory, emphasizing the necessary …

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Three consumer rights and product quality definitions you need to know

Know Your Rights

Consumer Rights Confirmed. Under the Consumer Rights Act (as with the Sale of Goods Act) all products must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described whether they are physical or digital and must meet the following standards. 1. Fit for purpose:  The goods should be fit for the purpose they are supplied for, …

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I’ve been struggling to keep up with energy costs and I’m now worried about going off-supply when my prepayment meter runs out. I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with the costs going forward. Can you help?

Contact your supplier Customers experiencing financial difficulties that may put them at risk of self-disconnection should, in the first instance, contact their energy supplier. There are provisions in place to ensure anyone who is on a pre-payment meter and is struggling or rationing energy to get by can stay on supply. If you have debt …

I’ve been struggling to keep up with energy costs and I’m now worried about going off-supply when my prepayment meter runs out. I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with the costs going forward. Can you help? Read More »

I’ve booked a package holiday but will have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Will I have to pay a cancellation fee?

If you cancel a package holiday, you will likely have to pay a cancellation fee. If the company you used to book cancels the holiday, they must provide you with a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation. Cancelling without incurring a fee There are some circumstances in which you may be entitled to …

I’ve booked a package holiday but will have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Will I have to pay a cancellation fee? Read More »

I’ve received a parking ticket from a private car park. I don’t believe I should have received this. Do I have to pay the ticket?

Shopping centres, supermarkets and some private residential estates are classed as private land. Sometimes the owners of the land will employ the services of a private company to manage their land or car parks. When you park on private land or a private car park, you’re entering into a contract with the landowner. Any signs …

I’ve received a parking ticket from a private car park. I don’t believe I should have received this. Do I have to pay the ticket? Read More »

I spotted a dress in a high street store that was on sale and when I got the till, the shop assistant explained that it was incorrectly labelled, and the item would be more expensive. I then got home and saw the item listed at the original price that was on the tag. What can I do?

Was the trader obligated to sell the item at a lower price? The trader correcting the error before you purchased the item was the most appropriate course of action. The trader advertising items on sale is known as ‘invitation to treat’.  Even though the items were labelled at the discounted price, the trader is not obligated to …

I spotted a dress in a high street store that was on sale and when I got the till, the shop assistant explained that it was incorrectly labelled, and the item would be more expensive. I then got home and saw the item listed at the original price that was on the tag. What can I do? Read More »

I have had a painter and decorator working in my home for a couple of weeks. They have given me the final total for the work being carried out, which is almost double the amount we agreed initially. I do not think this is right. Can you offer any advice?

  Agreements on final prices can differ when we take on a tradesperson to do work for us. Some companies may offer an estimate at the beginning of the job, whilst others may have agreed on a set price with you based on the requirements of the job. A set price is often referred to as …

I have had a painter and decorator working in my home for a couple of weeks. They have given me the final total for the work being carried out, which is almost double the amount we agreed initially. I do not think this is right. Can you offer any advice? Read More »

I paid by credit card for a tattoo from a specialist artist a year ago, and the person who was meant to complete the work has left the studio. They told me that I can pick someone else to do the tattoo, but there is a massive wait time and I just want my money back. What can I do?

In this situation, you have a few options available to you, particularly if you only agreed to pay for the work based on a specific artist. When you agree to pay a trader for goods or services you are entering into a contract. Each contract that you enter will have its own set of terms …

I paid by credit card for a tattoo from a specialist artist a year ago, and the person who was meant to complete the work has left the studio. They told me that I can pick someone else to do the tattoo, but there is a massive wait time and I just want my money back. What can I do? Read More »

I have been going round in circles trying to sort out my energy bills with my supplier. I made a complaint to them about three months ago in relation to a mix up with my meter and bills but can’t get through to speak to them now. Can you help?

It is important that we follow the individual process for complaining to our energy supplier if we have to do so. It is always best to ensure we do this in writing, either by email or letter to them, so that we have evidence of our communication. The process can usually be found on the …

I have been going round in circles trying to sort out my energy bills with my supplier. I made a complaint to them about three months ago in relation to a mix up with my meter and bills but can’t get through to speak to them now. Can you help? Read More »

I recently purchased gift vouchers for my daughter and I to attend a prosecco lunch in a hotel together, but she couldn’t go on the day we had planned. I just tried to rebook but noticed they have expired a few weeks ago. What can I do?

The course of action you should take in this situation will depend on a few factors. When you purchase gift cards or vouchers for experiences from a trader, you are bound by the terms and conditions that are made or known at the point of purchase. If the expiry date conditions weren’t clear at the …

I recently purchased gift vouchers for my daughter and I to attend a prosecco lunch in a hotel together, but she couldn’t go on the day we had planned. I just tried to rebook but noticed they have expired a few weeks ago. What can I do? Read More »