Yahoo Finance Q&A: What Are Your New Consumer Rights?
A new set of laws come into force today protecting people who buy goods from retailers.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 will give people more rights than they had before on their purchases. It (Other OTC: ITGL - news) replaces many of the consumer laws that were previously in place.
Q. What rights do I have now that I didn't have before?
A: If a consumer buys a product from a shop that turns out to be faulty, they have up to 30 days to complain.
Q: What can people expect within that 30 days?
A: Retailers have one opportunity to repair or replace the product. If the consumer remains unsatisfied because there is still a problem, they can choose a refund or to keep the faulty product with a price reduction.
Q: What about digital purchases?
A: Anything that is downloaded after being paid for is now subject to consumer protection laws. It can include music downloads, e-books, films, apps and software.
Q: What sort of protection on digital purchases do I have now?
A: All content has to be what a "reasonable person" would describe as satisfactory. It has to be fit for the purpose that it was intended, safe, free from defects and durable.
Q: What happens if it is not any of these things?
A: Although the 30-day rule does not apply to digital purchases, the Act (Frankfurt: 0LW.F - news) requires retailers to provide one opportunity to repair or replace any good not deemed satisfactory.
Q: Does it cover anything else?
A: The Act also covers small print that includes unfair terms and conditions, including the price. For the first time consumers have a right to complain about the price that was charged if a reasonable person would view it as being unfair. If a term or condition would be viewed as unfair, a company is no longer able to enforce it.
Q: How do I complain if I'm not happy about the response I receive from a retailer.
A: Contact your local trading standards department.
