Make the most of your money as the sales season gets underway.

• If goods bought in a sale turn out to be faulty, your legal rights still apply – you may be entitled to a refund of the price you paid. You will need proof of purchase – your receipt is best, but a credit card slip or bank statement will do.
• Think about charging items costing £100 or more to your credit - not debit – card. This can give you extra protection as you may be able to claim against the credit card company if you have a dispute.
• Goods that are reduced as demonstration items or because of a fault must be clearly labelled with the fault or reason for the reduction.
• Always check the label – sometimes they show RRP (recommended retail price) and the sale price. The RRP is a guide only and may never have been the true price of the goods. The actual price of the goods before the sale should be shown as well as the sale price.
• Beware that some shops buy in goods especially for the sales, these may be labelled “Special Purchase”. The price reduction should always be made clear on the label.
• Signs stating “No Refunds on Sales Items” or Credit Notes Only Will be Given” may be illegal – shops can’t restrict your legal rights and traders shouldn’t display such notices.
• Remember that if you simply change your mind, the shop isn’t obliged to exchange or give a refund, but they may do as a gesture of goodwill. Always check their policy before buying.

If you are going on a shopping trip, think carefully about the possibility of having to return items if they turn out to be faulty. You may not be able to return them to another branch of the store – check before you buy.

For further information and advice on consumer rights, please contact the Consumer Direct help line on 08454 04 05 06.