Description of goods
The trading standards team check goods and services are
correctly described for example advertisements for holidays,
houses and cars. The team look out for counterfeit clothing and
cassettes and selling second-hand items as new. Complaints where
businesses falsely claim to be members of trade associations are
also investigated.
Consumer rights when buying goods
We all
have rights when buying goods as a consumer, from a trader. Whilst
there are several laws which protect those rights, the main ones
are:
Whenever you buy goods, or agree to have a service you are
making a contract with a trader.
The trader must (according to The Sale of Goods Act 1979) provide you with goods
which are:
- of satisfactory quality - this means reasonably durable, safe,
fit for their intended purpose, free from minor defects and of
reasonable appearance and finish
- fit for the purpose - as well as being fit for the purpose for
which they are generally sold, goods should also be fit for any
specific or particular purpose made known at the time of the
agreement
- as described to you - goods should correspond with any
description applied to them. This could be verbally, words or
pictures on a sign, packaging or an advert.
For more information view the Buying Goods advice leaflet on the Trading Standards Central
website.