Consumer Rights Archives - Consumeradvice

Should you hire a door-to-door contractor? Four key tests to ensure you’re dealing with a genuine trader

Consumer Rights, Scams / August 22, 2024 August 22, 2024

When someone rings your doorbell offering to clean your driveway, it can be tempting to take them up on the offer, especially if your driveway could use some attention. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the person at your door is a legitimate trader and not a scammer. In Scotland, many people fall victim to cold-calling scams each year, so taking precautions is essential. Here’s how to decide whether you should hire them.

How to identify a genuine energy company call and protect yourself from scams

Christmas / Seasonal, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Scams / August 22, 2024 August 22, 2024

Receiving a cold call from an energy company can be unsettling, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s legitimate. Scammers often pose as representatives from well-known companies to trick you into giving up personal information or agreeing to fraudulent deals. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure the call is genuine and protect yourself from potential scams.

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

Christmas / Seasonal, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Faulty Goods, Online Shopping, Retail / December 8, 2023 December 13, 2023

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

Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Online Shopping, Retail / November 22, 2023 November 22, 2023

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?

Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights / July 27, 2023 July 27, 2023

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?

Consumer Rights / July 3, 2023 July 3, 2023

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?

Consumer Rights / June 29, 2023 June 29, 2023

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?

Consumer Rights / May 19, 2023 May 19, 2023

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?

Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights / May 4, 2023 May 4, 2023

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?

Consumer Protection, Consumer Returns, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Gift Vouchers / April 5, 2023 April 5, 2023

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 »

Category: Consumer Rights

Consumer Rights