The couple should shop around and look out for the best deal.

Planning a wedding is no easy task and it can be quite stressful for the couple. Booking problems may crop up, and if not dealt with in the right way, may result in waste of money and unnecessary hassle.

To ensure the best value for the money, the couple should shop around and look out for the best deal. They should keep in mind that there is a wide choice offered in the market and there is a fierce competition for every kind of product or service needed.

Before deciding which service or product to buy and from who, it is important that the couple knows exactly the kind of service or product they require and communicate clearly with the trader. Once the couple make their decision, it is important that before they pay a deposit, they carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract.

A contract sets out the legal obligations not only of the trader but also the consumers’ obligations, and these have to be honoured. If there are conditions that the couple do not like, they should approach the trader and try and renegotiate the contract. Should the trader agree to amend the contract, it is important that the trader signs any changes that have been made.

A deposit should only be paid after all aspects of the sale have been thoroughly discussed and agreed upon. The amount of deposit should be recorded on the contract of sale together with details of how the balance is going to be paid.

Paying a deposit indicates an intention to purchase a particular product or service. If eventually the couple change their mind or find a better deal somewhere else, legally the couple will be considered as not fulfilling their part of the contract. In such a situation it will be up to the trader to decide whether or not to refund the deposit paid.

Usually this is clearly explained in the contract the couple has signed upon paying the deposit. Most contracts, in fact, specify that the retailer is entitled to retain the deposit, or part of it, if the consumer fails to go ahead with the trans­action. In case of last-minute can­cellations the couple may also be obliged to pay the full balance even though it does not need the service anymore. Refunds can only be legally claimed if it is the trader who fails to honour his commitment.

So it is important that the contract includes a detailed des­cription of the product or service ordered. For instance, when the bride orders her dress, the contract should include the model number, size, and ideally also a photo of it. The delivery date should be clearly specified. Avoid last-minute deliveries, in case prob­lems crop up with the shipping or the wrong item is delivered.

The retailer is entitled to retain the deposit if the consumer fails to go ahead with the transaction

Whatever is purchased and whenever a deposit is paid, it is the couple’s responsibility to keep the evidence of the purchase. This could be in the form of a fiscal receipt or any other document that proves what product or service was purchased, from where and when it was purchased. Should there be a problem with the product or service the proof of purchase is absolutely necessary to obtain redress.

To avoid problems, the couple should inform themselves about their rights and obligations as consumers. If they are faced with problems that they cannot handle on their own, they may contact the Office for Consumer Affairs at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority for information and advice.

odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt

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