Young people unaware of their consumer rights

Young Brits are losing out because they don’t know their rights when it comes to returning faulty goods, research suggests.

Over the last year two in five people aged between 16 and 24 failed to return faulty items bought in shops, whether that is everyday items like clothes or more expensive ones such as TVs. With just under 10 million Brits within that age range the total cost of these un-returned items soon adds up.

Unaware of their rights, just under half (46%) incorrectly believe that a retailer can refuse to give a refund if a receipt was not presented.

Two thirds of 16-24 year olds say they’re less likely to return goods online than if they bought them on the high street, with many admitting it’s because they don’t know what their rights are.

Even if the person has the receipt, lack of knowledge of consumer rights mean that one in three will still be nervous when returning their goods while roughly one quarter are embarrassed or simply lack confidence (23%).

Michele Shambrook, operations manager at Consumer Direct, said: “Of course it’s nerve-wracking if the shop assistant refuses to give you an exchange or refund, but knowing your consumer rights will give you the confidence and tools needed to take goods back.”

UK law states that if you have bought goods online, by phone or by mail order, you have a right to a seven day cooling off period, in which time you can return the item if it is not wanted. If the trader fails to acknowledge or respond to your Consumer Rights, you can file a claim of under £5000 with the small claims court without needing a solicitor.

According to the research by BIS, the average Brit loses £4950 in their lifetime on faulty goods they’ve failed to return to shops, which means we need to be far more aware of our consumer rights.

For more information visit: consumerdirect.gov.uk