Consumer Rights In Ireland

By Lisa Clancy

The importance of knowing your rights

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

The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980

This states that goods should be:

Of merchantable quality Fit for its purpose As described Correspond to sample

Goods in a sale??

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.

The 3 R’s

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

How to Complain..............

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 you are still not happy after complaining..........

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.

You are not entitled to the 3 R’s if you.......

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

What about if you lost your receipt??.............

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

The Consumer Protection Act 2007 This act was created on the 1st of May 2007 It established the National Consumer agency It updated consumer law.

The National Consumer Agency was set up on the 1st of May 2007. 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 Information

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.

The End