Q: A few days ago I purchased a pair of sandals from a local retail outlet for €9. After wearing the sandals only twice, the sole tore off. I immediately went back to the shop and showed the sales person what had happened to my brand new sandals.

The reply I got was that they can neither repair nor replace the sandals since their price was under €10. The salesperson told me this policy is also written on the fiscal receipt, where it is specifically stated that ‘Anything bought under €10 cannot be changed or brought in for repair’.

My question is, despite this condition, am I still entitled to ask for my damaged sandals to be either repaired or replaced?

A: Yes, legally you are entitled to ask for either repair or replacement. The Consumer Affairs Act provides consumers with a right for redress on any kind of purchase.

The law doesn’t stipulate a minimum amount of money consumers should spend to qualify for one of the legal remedies.

Thus, if the retail outlet refuses to provide you with an acceptable remedy, you can file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs so that mediation on your behalf can be carried out with the trader.