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The recent phenomenon known as Black Friday is attracting a lot of attention again this year. Sadly, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the seasonal frenzy but then get caught out when things go wrong.  One of our solicitors at Curwens, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  specialises in consumer law. Here are her 10 top tips :

1. Black Friday this year is Friday 25^th November 2016 but many retailers have already started advertising deals in the run up to the big day.
2. Black Friday is a day when many retailers slash their prices to tempt savvy savers to take advantage of the special discounts on offer.
3. Recent research conducted by Consumer Group  Which?  revealed that not all Black Friday deals were actually the cheapest on the day. This means that it’s more important than ever to undertake your research before you part with your cash.
4. Before committing to a purchase, check and compare the sale price with other retailers to make sure you really are making a saving.
5. Check whether the pre-sale price was increased prior to the sale. Goods should have been sold at the previous higher price for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the reduction.
6. If you purchased the goods online and when delivered you find they aren’t what you expected, you may have cancellation rights under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. Remember you must clearly notify the retailer within 14 days of delivery of the goods that you want to cancel the contract and seek a refund. Check the terms and conditions!
7. If you buy digital content that is not of satisfactory quality or is unfit for purpose or not as described, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 now enables you to ask the retailer to provide either a repair or replacement. Digital content can be anything from apps, music, games to ebooks.
8. If you buy goods online, it is the retailer’s responsibility to deliver the goods to you. So if your item turns up late and you no longer want it, contact the retailer immediately and refer it to the above legislation. You should not be out of pocket for the retailer’s mistake.
9. If the goods you ordered are delivered damaged, do not accept delivery or if the delivery person refuses to take the goods away, write a note on the delivery company’s delivery note to say the box was damaged. Act promptly and notify the retailer as soon as possible.
10. Remember that sale goods should still be of satisfactory quality; fit for the purpose intended and match the description. If the goods are faulty, you have rights of redress under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which include a 30 day short-term right to a refund and thereafter a right to repair, replacement or partial refund.

For further information or advice, contact Patricia Wollington at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.