Q: I recently bought a digital camera for €150. When I went home with it, I noticed that a manual was not included. When I complained about this with the shop owner, he promised he would acquire one for me and call me when available.

After a couple of weeks I called again and complained I had not yet received the manual. I let a few more weeks go by and then called at the outlet personally.

Each time I contact the shop owner, he says he is taking note and promises me to send the manual, but to date I have not received anything.

Could you please inform me where I stand as to my rights, and how I can proceed if I am not given these instructions?

A: As consumers, one of our legal rights is the right to information and this is especially so before a purchase is made, that is, before we actually buy a product.

It is also our responsibility to make sure we are given all the information we need to properly use and take care of the product we are about to buy, which in your case is a digital camera.

You should have checked that these instructions were available and that you were given a copy before finalising the purchase.

Now that this has not been done, legally you cannot claim compensation for not having the instructions booklet, but should a problem arise with the camera, which could have been caused by the lack of information on how to properly use it and take care of it, then legally the shop owner may be held responsible for the damage caused and may be liable to provide you with a free remedy.

My advice is to continue to insist on getting the printed instructions from the shop owner. You may also write to the mother company about the problem you are having with the local retailer. You may also ask the mother company directly for a manual.