Consumers who are planning to do some shopping during the trade fairs should keep in mind a few tips to avoid unnecessary problems and good bargains.

Consumers should not accept to pay any deposits if the offer does not interest them. Paying a deposit indicates an intention to buy.

Consumers who change their mind after paying a deposit are legally guilty of not fulfilling their part of the contract; this may have various consequences.

One of these may be losing the deposit. Before leaving a deposit, consumers should also check how the rest of the payment will be made.

If the product purchased or ordered will be delivered at the consumer’s home at an agreed date, consumers should make sure they have a clear description of what is being ordered in writing as well as the precise date when the goods will be delivered.

If it is a service consumers are interested in, before signing anything, they should make sure that they fully understand all terms and conditions. Furthermore, if interested in a particular offer, you should ask if, by taking up the offer, you are binding yourselves to a definite contract.

If yes, one should check about the length of the contract, how it could be terminated and what costs are involved if the contract is terminated prematurely.

Before purchasing a service, consumers should also keep in mind that price is not the only factor in getting good value for money. Reliability, good reputation and a helpful customer care service play a fundamental role.

Whatever is purchased at the trade fair, it is the consumer’s responsibility to keep evidence of the purchase

Whatever is purchased at the trade fair, it is the consumer’s responsibility to keep evidence of the purchase. This could be the fiscal receipt or any other document that proves what was purchased, from whom and when the product was purchased.

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

A change of mind is also not covered by law. Unless there is something wrong with the goods, the possibility to cancel an order or exchange the goods 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 particular 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. This should be accepted by consumers if it is carried out within reasonable time at no additional cost and without causing 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, a full money refund. The time limit of these remedies is two years from the date of delivery.

Offers that are too good to be true should be taken with a pinch of salt. Huge price reduction claims should be checked out by shopping around and comparing prices. Only by doing this can consumers make sure they are really getting a bargain.

odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt

Odette Vella is senior information officer, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

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