 Knowing your rights are extremely important when buying goods and services.

This states that goods should be:  Of merchantable quality  Fit for its purpose  As described  Correspond to sample

 Even if you have bought goods in a sale you still have the same rights as usual  Signs that say no refunds on sale items are classified as illegal.

If your rights have been taken away from you, you are entitled to the 3 Rs when you complain to the retailer The 3 Rs are:  Refund  Replacement  Repair

 Stop using the faulty product after noticing the fault.  Find your receipt and copy it.  Bring the product into the shop with the copy of your receipt.  Point out the problem calmly without getting too angry and do not apologise to the person you are complaining to.  Ask for one of the 3 R’s.

 If your complaint involves an amount up to €2,000, you should go to the Small Claims Court.  For bigger amounts or for personal injury you may need to contact a solicitor.  Some services are covered by the ombudsmen.  If you bought something in another EU country, whether online or while on holidays, and something goes wrong, contact the European Consumer Centre Dublin. This gives free and confidential information on consumer rights in the EU, and helps consumers with disputes from abroad  If you are not sure about where to go, contact your local Citizens Information Centre, which can give you advice on who to contact.

 Were told about the fault before you bought the item  Should have seen the fault before you bought the item  Bought the item even though it wasn’t fit for what you wanted it to do.  Broke the item  If you change your mind

 Check the stub of your checkbook  Look at your credit card bill Remember!!  Always make a copy of your receipt.  Don’t forget to demand a receipt as you are entitled to it!.

 The Consumer Protection Act 2007  This act was created on the 1 st of May 2007  It established the National Consumer agency  It updated consumer law.  The National Consumer Agency was set up on the 1 st of May The powers and functions of the director of Consumer affairs were transferred to this agency. Its job is to protect the welfare of consumers by enforcing consumer laws.

 Consumer Choice is a magazine that helps the consumer to  Get value for your money when buying goods  Know all the consumer rights  Be well informed about consumer issues.