Christmas shopping without the woes

December can be stressful. When trying to buy presents for friends and family we may panic under pressure and buy unsuitable gifts.

And we might receive presents we don’t want.

However, the rules on refunds and exchanges are not always straightforward.

If you are buying from a shop, check the refund policy.

There is a popular belief that you have a right to a refund if you don’t like something, however this is not law. It only applies if the shop has this policy.  Sometimes shops will only let you exchange the goods, or give you a credit note instead of a refund.

Some will not accept goods back if you have opened the packaging or will not accept returned goods which could carry infection, like earrings.

Cards, cash and contracts

Technically the contract with the trader is with the buyer of the goods, not the person who you are giving them to. However, in practice many shops do not make an issue of this, particularly if there is a receipt.

Some shops will give a ‘gift’ receipt without the price printed on it, so the receiver of the gift may return the item but won’t know the price.

Technically the contract is with the buyer of the goods

Check the policy and whether it is time-limited.

If you pay for the item on a card, the shop will normally only refund the money onto the same card, rather than give you back cash.

This could be awkward if you are sending a gift to someone who you won’t see, so consider paying with cash.

Tangled web 

When buying online, by phone or mail order, getting refunds may be trickier.

This is a complex area and you should get advice. You can cancel your contract for any reason within a cooling-off period.

This ends seven days from the day after you receive goods or can be extended if you do not receive certain written information from the trader.

As it applies to the buyer, this may make it difficult if you are giving away the goods. Some goods you buy in a distance sale do not come with an automatic right to a cooling-off period, for example personalised goods, those made to order or perishable goods.

Or avoid the issue altogether by asking for a present list, making a ‘no present  pact’, giving presents in kind, for example babysitting, or giving gift vouchers (watch the expiry date).

If there is something wrong with the goods, different rules apply.

• To get information or advice, on consumer issues, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or go to adviceguide.org.uk