Q: I recently bought a drill attachment from a local hardware store. After using it for one day, during which I drilled 16 holes, half of the drill’s teeth broke.

I returned it to the store owner, who told me that he was going to refer the matter to the agent and then call me. When I realised that the agent wasn’t going to call me, I got in contact with him and explained what happened. He told me such items were not covered by warranty and that he couldn’t help me.

I did not keep the fiscal receipt of the purchase. What are my rights?

A: If you purchased the drill attachment for personal use and not for purposes related to your trade or profession, then under the Consumer Affairs Act you are entitled to have it repaired or replaced free of charge. If these remedies are not possible, then you will be entitled to ask for a refund.

To exercise these rights, you need the proof of purchase as evidence of where you bought the drill from and when.

If you paid by credit card or cheque, you may use the bank statement as proof of purchase.

If you paid by cash, then you have no evidence of the purchase made and you may lose your right to claiming a remedy from the trader.