The sales season is upon us. While there are some genuine bargains to be found, be aware that some shops buy in special goods for their sales – often labelled 'special purchase'.
 
Remember, even if you bought goods in a sale you are still entitled to your consumer rights. All goods must be:

• Of satisfactory quality
• Fit for their purpose
• As described

If any item that you buy is faulty, stop using it immediately and return it to the retailer as soon as possible, you may be entitled to a refund. However, if goods are in the sale because they have a minor fault, are shop soiled or are ex-demonstration items, this must be made clear on the label – you may not be entitled to a refund for any fault that you were aware of before purchase.
If faulty goods cost more than £100 and you paid for them by credit card, then you may be also able to make a claim against the credit card company.

Notices stating “No Refunds on Sale Items” or “Credit Notes Only on Sales Items” may be illegal – tell Trading Standards about any such signs.

Always check price tags.
It should be clear to the consumer what the price reduction is on any particular goods.
They should include the sale price as well as the previous selling price.

If a price tag simply displays a reduction off a recommended retail price or manufacturer's recommended price, be aware that these are simply guide prices and the goods may never have been sold at the higher price in that store.

The old price can only be shown if goods have been sold in that store at that higher price for at least 28 days in the previous six months. There are some exemptions to this rule but the trader must explain the exact circumstances for which the higher price was charged. So look around for notices.

Safety
All goods that you buy should be safe. If you believe you have bought an unsafe product, and need our advice click on the How to contact Trading Standards or Consumer Direct links at the right hand side of this page.