CHRISTMAS shoppers are being offered some expert tips when it comes to this year's festive purchases.
Consumer Direct Wales has provided some helpful hints for shopping during the season of goodwill and what to do with unwanted gifts and returns.
Craig Woolcock, Consumer Direct contact centre manager, says there are shops which will accept the return of goods where someone has changed their mind, but this is not a legal requirement, so always check the company's own terms and conditions.
'Consumers are not legally entitled to anything if the wrong product has been chosen, but it is worth checking the company's own terms and conditions,' he said.
'Check that goods work as soon as you buy them and take faulty goods back immediately. The longer you have some-thing, the more difficult it will be to obtain redress.
'Beware of street traders selling cut-price perfume, branded clothes or videos. They usually turn out to be poor quality and may be illegal.
'Gift vouchers are issued with an expiry date. After this date you will not be able to use the gift voucher.
'Make sure your fairy lights are safe and have a CE mark. Goods are legally required to be of satisfactory quality and fit for the purpose.
'You do not have to buy a guarantee or extended warranty. Many give you no more protection than you already have by law.
'Keeping the receipt will prevent disputes if you need to take the goods back.'
And finally, the most succinct advice of all: 'Beware of things that look too good to be true, because they usually are!'
For more advice contact Consumer Direct Wales on 08454040506. There is also a dedicated Welsh line on 08454040505. Lines are open 8am-6.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturday. Calls are charged at local rate and advice is free.
