Weekly consumer tips

• Legally, retailers are not obliged to accommodate us if we want to change a gift because we either do not like it or do not need it.

• Most retail outlets choose to provide a ‘goodwill’ returns policy.

• It would be wise if, before buying, we first check what return policies a shop has.

• Keep in mind that certain items cannot be returned, such as personalised and perishable goods.

• Shops are legally obliged to provide a remedy when goods are defective or not as described during the sale.

• Shops have no authority to implement policies that try to diminish our legal consumer rights.