Trade Fair shopping tips

Consumers who are planning to shop from the Trade Fair should keep in mind these tips to ensure good bargains:

• Consumers should not agree to pay deposits if the offer does not interest them. Paying a deposit indicates an intention to purchase. Those who change their mind after paying a deposit are legally guilty of not fulfilling their part of the contract and this may have consequences. One of these may be the loss of the deposit paid.

Before paying a deposit, consumers should also check how the rest of the payment will be made.

• If the product purchased or ordered is to be delivered at the consumer's home on an agreed date, consumers should make sure they have a clear description of what is being ordered as well as the precise date of delivery.

• If it is a service that consumers are interested in buying, before signing anything they should make sure they fully understand the terms and conditions.

Furthermore, if interested in a particular offer, consumers should ask whether, by taking up the offer, they are binding themselves with a definite contract. If yes, one should check about the length of the contract, how the contract could be terminated. They should also ask what costs are involved if the contract is terminated prematurely.

Before purchasing a service, consumers should keep in mind that price is not the only factor in getting good value for money. The company's reliability, reputation and an excellent customer care service all play a fundamental role.

• Whatever is purchased at the Trade Fair, it is the responsibility of the consumer to keep evidence of the purchase. This could be in the form of a fiscal receipt or any other document that proves what product was purchased, from whom and when it was purchased.

• If consumers are taking the goods purchased back home with them, they should check them out carefully for any apparent defects, because such defects are not covered by consumer law.

• Change of mind is also not covered by law. Unless there is something wrong with the goods or order placed, the possibility to cancel an order or exchange goods purchased depends entirely on the shop's customer care policies. Hence, it is always worth double checking a retailer's refund policies before buying.

• If the goods purchased are not as agreed with the trader, or are not fit for the purpose for which they were bought, then no matter how extravagant the offer is, the seller is legally obliged to provide a remedy. In the first instance, and if appropriate, the seller must at least offer to repair the defective product.

Repair should be accepted by consumers if it is carried out within reasonable time, at no additional costs and without causing the consumer any significant inconvenience. If these criteria are not met, consumers may ask for the goods to be replaced.

When not even replacement is possible or practical, the law entitles consumers to request a refund of part of the price or revocation of the contract, that is, for a full money refund. The time-limit of these remedies is two years from the date of delivery.

• Too-good-to-be-true offers should always be taken with a pinch of salt. Huge price reductions should be checked out by shopping around and comparing prices.

Only by doing so can consumers make sure they are really getting a bargain. When interested by an offer, consumers should ask to see the goods before committing themselves.

In case of problems with items purchased at the Trade Fair, consumers should complain to the trader immediately. If unsatisfied with the way the complaint was handled, consumers are advised to contact the Consumer and Competition Department by calling freephone 8007 4400 for more information and help.

Ms Vella is senior information officer, Consumer and Competition Department.

customer@timesofmalta.com, odette.vella@gov.mt