Independent.ie > Lifestyle > Independent Woman > Fashion

Consume this before you break for the border

Javascript is needed to use most of these tools:

Print
Text size

Thursday Dec 4 2008

Shoppers fleeing rip-off Republic prices need to be aware of their consumer rights in other jurisdictions.

Goods bought north of the border, for example, generally can't be returned to shops in the south, even at big name stores like Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

"Shops might market themselves under one brand name in different jurisdictions but they often operate as different companies," says Arthur Hilliard of the European Consumer Centre.

"So if you have a problem with a purchase, don't assume you can deal with the same store in the south even if it does have the exact same name."

Already the Consumer Protection Agency has taken several enquiries from shoppers experiencing problems with goods bought in Northern Ireland.

"I really wouldn't be surprised, given the volumes of people shopping up north, if this starts to increase, particularly in the run up to Christmas. Even at the most reputable shops, things go wrong," says Maria Hurley, the agency's policy director.

She recommends checking the returns policy before buying, particularly when it comes to big ticket items.

"It might be possible to arrange to deal with a shop nearer your home if there is an issue with the purchase but we've come across very few chains that will allow this.

"The general rule of thumb is that shoppers will have to go back to the specific shop where they made the purchase to do any exchange."

Consumers across the EU are covered by European legislation which obliges retailers to repair, replace or refund money for a faulty item. "Which option the retailer chooses is up to them," says Hilliard.

In addition, shoppers in the UK are covered by a Sale of Goods Act which offers much the same kind of protection available here.

In the event of a dispute, consumers have several sources of assistance. "The Consumer Council of Northern Ireland is a good first port of call," says Hurley. "Our agency really only deals with domestic purchases but we are more than happy to offer advice."

The European Consumer Centre will also take up a dispute on a disgruntled consumer's behalf.

The other major issue for northern-bound shoppers, according to Hurley, is the use of gift vouchers.

"These are really popular as Christmas presents but vouchers bought up north generally can't be used in the south and vice versa," she says.

Both consumer organisations are warning online shoppers to be wary in the run up to Christmas, particularly when buying from sites outside of Ireland.

Again, EU law provides quite a high level of protection but, needless to say, this is only useful when dealing with a reputable dealer.

"Check very carefully before handing money over for goods purchased via an overseas online site," says Hilliard.

He recommends using the website checking facility 'Howard' available on the home page of the European Centre's website. "You just enter the website details and the search engine will tell you where the holding company is registered and, more importantly, when the company was registered. If it was only set up a few weeks ago you need to be cautious."

Online shoppers have a seven day 'cooling off' period after making a purchase, under EU law. This means that refunds must be given for goods returned within seven days, which is not the case for goods bought in the high street.

Some goods are exempted and these include books, CDs or DVDs, anything that has been personalised and perishable items.

The buyer is also obliged to pay the cost of postage for returning the goods.

"A good tip is always to pay by credit card since if there is a problem -- the goods don't show up for example -- you can always get on to your credit card company and see if you can get your money back that way," says Hilliard.

For shoppers planning to scoop up a few bargains during a weekend break in Europe, Hurley has some additional advice. "If you see a special offer that's too good to be true, then it probably is.

"Be especially careful of falling for fake or counterfeit goods. You have absolutely no come-back but the biggest danger is that very often these goods don't conform to European safety standards."

Big ticket items, particularly electronic items, should be checked before leaving the country, she says, since it will be so difficult to return them if there is a problem.

Another key tip is to double check the exchange rate when buying outside the eurozone, since currency values are fluctuating at the moment.

Otherwise a most unpleasant surprise could be waiting in the next credit-card bill.