Situations and Legal Remedies

Problems in Buying Goods

Sometimes, problems can arise in the buying process. This can include misleading product descriptions, poor quality goods, or issues with delivery. These situations are covered under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Under the Act, consumers have the right to goods that are as described, of satisfactory quality, and fit for a specific purpose. If the goods do not meet these standards, the consumer has the right to take action against the seller.
It is also important to remember that the rights provided under the act apply regardless of whether the goods were on sale or full price.

Problems in Buying Services

Issues can also arise in the purchase of services. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 also covers services, granting consumers the right to services performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and at a reasonable price.
If a service does not meet these standards, the consumer has a right to have the service re-performed or, in some cases, to receive a price reduction.

Resolving Issues

The first step when a consumer encounters a problem is usually to contact the business or seller directly and attempt to resolve the issue.
If this does not resolve the issue, the consumer can contact a third-party resolution service, such as an ombudsman, to mediate the situation.
Consumers can also take the matter to a Small Claims Court if the value of the claim is less than £10,000, and they feel comfortable doing so.
As a last resort, consumers can take legal action against the business. This should ideally be done with the help of legal advice to ensure the best possible outcome.

Using Legal Remedies

Legal remedies can include replacement or repair of goods, re-performance of services, price reductions, or compensation for harm or loss suffered.
The type of remedy will depend on the specific situation and what is reasonable or possible in the circumstances.
Legal remedies are a way to put someone back in the position they were in before the contractual breach or negligence occurred.
It’s important to keep in mind that seeking legal remedies can be a lengthy and potentially expensive process and other forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation or alternative dispute resolution, should be considered first.

Consumer Advice and Support

Organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, trading standards authorities, and the Consumer Ombudsman offer help, advice, and support to consumers facing issues with goods or services.
These organisations can provide information about what rights and remedies are available in specific situations and guide individuals through the resolution process.
When contacting these organisations, individuals should be ready to provide full details of the problem, any communications with the business, and any evidence they have in relation to their claim.