Not quite sure about that knockdown price knitted fleece you received from your Nan, or have simply changed your mind?
Or are you the one whose gifts didn't quite come up to scratch?
Here's a summary all you need to know about a safe and painless return of your unwanted goods to the shops, or if a gift is returned to you
1. Stores don't have to accept unwanted goods, unless they are faulty or broken
Mainstream stores are under no legal obligation to accept unwanted goods unless they are broken or faulty. However, they tend to operate a goodwill money back guarantee policy, which you will see on the back of the receipt, for up to 30 days
2. You have between 14 and 28 days from the date of purchase to return your goods
This may have been one which caught out those early bird shoppers. Unfortunately, if you bought your presents at the end of November, you only have a few days to take them back! You are protected under the Sale of Goods Act - if faulty.
3. Was the present bought online?
You have extra rights to return it under the Consumer Contracts Regulations
4. Did you/they buy the gift by credit card?
You also have protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, so know your rights.
5. Original packaging
This is very important, particularly with DVDs or electrical goods. Many retailers will refuse to accept items where the seal is broken, so don't risk opening anything you may not want.
6. Items that WILL NOT be eligible for return
Personalised goods, and perishable items such as food and goods which are likely to wear down over time.
7. Do you have a receipt for your goods?
Make sure you take the receipt for the items with you, and the debit or credit card you used to purchase it, as well as the original packaging and label.
