Smart Shopping

For most of us, buying new things is fun and it is easy to get swept up in the moment. However, it is also important that we are careful with our purchases and understand our rights and obligations. Some things to consider are:

Pricing
The price of an item can be the difference between whether you can afford it, need to save for it, or decide to give it a miss. Whilst some items have a fixed price no matter what, other items can have fluctuating prices, depending on the season, whether there is a sale on, the popularity of an item etc. When looking at the price of an item, think about this:

• compare prices between different retailers and online shopping before you make your purchase. Remember to include the postage costs when buying online;
• ensure that you are comparing apples for apples, as opposed to similar models;
• set yourself a budget and stick to it;
• compare several models to ensure that you are getting what you want at the price you are prepared to pay;

Refunds
You have a right to a refund, an exchange, or repair if the goods, or services are:

• defective;
• do not match the description;
• do not perform as they are supposed to;

However, a trader is not legally required to give you a refund if you have changed your mind, or the item does not fit. Before making your purchase, check with the retail assistant as to the terms and conditions of the stores refund policy, or review the online refund policy (for web based stores).

Also, make sure that you keep all of your receipts for at least three months (depending on the warranty period) just incase you do need to return your item and make sure you are sure, before you purchase.

Warranties
Warranties are for a set period of time and are maintained by the manufacturer (as opposed to the retailer). If your product develops a functional problem during the warranty period, you may be entitled to a repair, exchange, or refund.

Keep your receipt and ensure that you maintain and use your product as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Lay-By’s
Before there was credit card and twenty four month interest free plans, there was lay-by. A lay-by has a set term in which payments can be made to pay off the item prior to collection.

Ensure that you check with the retailer as to their terms and conditions of lay-by. Some important things to know include:

• the term of the lay-by;
• the minimum payments required;
• whether there are any additional fees;
• are you able to extend the lay-by period if necessary;

There can be nothing more disappointing than going to collect your goods, having not made regular payments, or your lay-by period has expired, and discovering that the retailer has returned your item to the store shelf, or sold it to another person.

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