Q: I bought a dress and the shop owner told me I would not be charged for the alterations needed to be done. However, when I went to pay for the dress, I was informed that there was an extra charge for the alteration. I feel that this shop acted unfairly in my regard. Can I ask for a refund of the extra money I had to pay for alterations?
A: If you had agreed that the alterations would be included in the price, then this agreement should be honoured. Even though verbal agreements are binding, in case of a dispute, they are very difficult to prove. Hence, it is advisable that whatever is agreed to during the contract of sale is written down in the sales agreement.
If you do not have some kind of proof that the expense of the alteration was included in the price, in this situation, it becomes legally difficult to claim a refund.
Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010
Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt
MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm
Wednesday from 8.30am to 4pm
European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)
47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.
Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt