Consumer Spending Archives

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 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 »

Airth Castle Hotel Limited Liquidation – Consumers Seeking Refunds

Company Administration / Out of Business, Consumer Protection, Consumer Spending, Holidays / Travel / March 15, 2023 March 15, 2023

Airth Castle Hotel Limited, the company that manages Airth Castle has confirmed that the popular wedding venue has went into liquidation. This will leave consumers with holidays, weddings, and other events booked wondering what they can do to get their money back. The options are different, depending on the cost of the booking and the …

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I live in the countryside and use electricity from the grid for heating and lighting but use solid fuel to try and keep costs down. The cost of all my energy has dramatically increased, and I am finding myself cutting back to the point I am freezing in my own home. Can you help?

Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Energy / March 1, 2023 March 3, 2023

The cost of energy has increased considerably for everyone, but people who rely on off-grid or unregulated fuel such as oil, coal, or wood face additional challenges. People in rural and remote areas are often reliant on electricity, and often an additional unregulated fuel, usually used for heating. These fuels are not subject to …

I live in the countryside and use electricity from the grid for heating and lighting but use solid fuel to try and keep costs down. The cost of all my energy has dramatically increased, and I am finding myself cutting back to the point I am freezing in my own home. Can you help? Read More »

I moved into my first home in November last year after living with my parents and provided the electric and gas meter readings to my supplier. I have received a massive energy bill that I was not expecting and do not have a clue what half of it means. Can you help?

Consumer Spending, Cost of Living, Energy / March 1, 2023 March 3, 2023

Energy bills can be confusing at first, with lots of information and abbreviations, and understanding them can be challenging. The bill should outline information about your account, including your personal details; your account reference number; the period you are being charged for; as well as the readings and amount you owe to the energy company. …

I moved into my first home in November last year after living with my parents and provided the electric and gas meter readings to my supplier. I have received a massive energy bill that I was not expecting and do not have a clue what half of it means. Can you help? Read More »

Online Scams – Spot the Fraud, Avoid the Cost

Avoid the Catfish, Consumer Protection, Consumer Spending, Scams / February 16, 2023 February 16, 2023

We’ve all seen social media adverts popping up on our social feeds, offering double glazing discounts and budget boilers in our local area. The spooky part is when they pop up after we’ve just been searching online for home improvement-related things (or even when we’ve been talking about it with someone within earshot of our …

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Flybe Enter Administration – Your Consumer Rights and Claiming a Refund

Company Administration / Out of Business, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Consumer Spending, Flights / January 30, 2023 January 30, 2023

Airline Flybe has announced that they have entered administration. On the 28th of January 2023, the High Court appointed David Pike and Mike Pink as Joint Administrators of Flybe Limited (“Flybe”). This will be a cause for concern for those booked to travel with the airline, both as a standalone purchase, as well as those …

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I’m considering purchasing an electric blanket as a way of keeping warm at home without putting the heating on but struggling to get a reasonably priced one from bigger retailers. I’ve seen cheap copycat ones online but have had problems in the past. What would you recommend?

Consumer Protection, Consumer Spending, Electrical, Energy, Energy23, Safety / January 26, 2023 January 26, 2023

The cost of energy has increased significantly, and with most of us facing hikes in bills, many are looking at ways of keeping costs down and alternative ways to keep warm in our homes. Many agencies are encouraging people to ‘heat the person’ as opposed to the whole house. This advice appears to work for …

I’m considering purchasing an electric blanket as a way of keeping warm at home without putting the heating on but struggling to get a reasonably priced one from bigger retailers. I’ve seen cheap copycat ones online but have had problems in the past. What would you recommend? Read More »

Staying Warm, Staying Safe, Staying Ahead – Energy23 Campaign

Consumer Protection, Consumer Spending, Energy23, Safety / January 20, 2023 January 26, 2023

Advice Direct Scotland’s ‘Energy 23’ campaign runs from the 23rd to the 29th of January 2023, encouraging Scottish consumers to stay safe during the remaining winter months. We have joined forces with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to offer guidance to households struggling …

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Category: Consumer Spending

Consumer Spending