HomeBuying goods - what is the law?
When you buy goods from someone, you're entering into a legal contract with the seller.If you have a complaint about the goods, it's the seller and not the manufacturer who must sort it out.
When you buy goods you have rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002.
This means that what you buy should be:
- of satisfactory quality - goods should meet an acceptable standard, be safe and durable and free from minor defects
- as described - goods should match the description given on their package, display sign or by the seller
- fit for their purpose - this includes any particular purpose you made known to the seller before you bought them.
Your rights
If goods are faulty, don't match the description given or aren't fit for purpose, you may be, depending on the circumstances, entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.Exactly what you are entitled to depends on how serious the fault is and when you tell the shop or trader about it.
You are not entitled to anything if you:
- examined the item when you bought it and should have noticed the fault
- were told about the fault before you bought the item
- have changed your mind about wanting the goods
- damaged the goods yourself.
