Trading Standards

  • Welcome to our Trading Standards Quiz

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      Buying from afar? Know what your rights are

      Why not try our online quiz to see just how much you know.  To start the quiz click on the link below.  You will be given your score when you have completed the quiz.

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  • 1: The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 apply to which type of consumer contracts ?

    1. One where the buyer rings up to ask about a product, but then goes to a shop to buy
    2. One that takes place on holiday in a shop
    3. One where there is no face to face contact between the buyer and the seller at any time before making a contract
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      The correct answer is it is the one where there is no face to face contact between the buyer and the seller at any point.

      The reason for this is that the Regulations apply to goods (and Services) purchased without face to face contact using an 'organised scheme', for example, internet, text messaging, phone, fax, mail order catalogues, interactive TV etc. However, there are some exemptions.

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  • 2: The Regulations give buyers a period of time in which to change their mind once they have received the goods. The time starts the day after receipt, what is it?

    1. 48 hours
    2. 7 working days
    3. 10 working days
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      The correct answer is 7 working days

      The reason for this is that the consumer can cancel anytime after placing the order, and has an additional cooling off period of 7 working days starting the day following receipt of the goods.  Some types of goods are exempt from the cancellation requirements of the Regulations.

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  • 3: Do you have to give the seller your reason for returning the goods once you have received them?

    1. Yes, but only if I don't like them
    2. No, it's an unconditional right
    3. Yes, but only if I have changed my mind
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      The correct answer is that no, it's an unconditional right

      The reason for this is that the right to cancel is unconditional, the seller cannot refuse to take the goods back and cannot force you to give a reason for their return - as long as it's within the 7 day period.

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  • 4: Which is the correct way to tell the seller you want to cancel and send the goods back?

    1. Send them an email or letter
    2. Call them on the telephone and tell them
    3. Don't bother, just pack them up and send them back
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      The correct answer is that you can cancel by sending them an email or letter

      The reason for this is that the Regulations say that cancellation must be in writing. However, the seller may choose to accept cancellation in other formats.  Information of how to cancel should be sent to you in writing by the seller, which should arrive no later than when you receive the goods.  If the seller fails to do this it can extend your cancellation period.

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  • 5: Do I have to pay the postage to send the goods back if I exercise my right to cancel under the Distance Selling Regulations?

    1. No, it's up to the seller to pay it in all cases
    2. Yes, you always have to pay the postage regardless
    3. No, because it depends on my reason for cancelling
    4. Yes, but only if the seller has included a term in the contract to make me liable for the return costs
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      The correct answer is yes, but only if the seller has included a term in the contract to make me liable for the return costs.

      The reason for this is that the Regulations give the seller the right to pass the cost of returning the goods on to the purchaser.  However, it is up to the seller to make sure this information is made clear to you before you enter into a contract with them.  If they do not do this then they could be liable for the return costs.

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      Thank you for completing our quiz.

      I hope you have enjoyed our quiz.  If you want any further information about your rights as a consumer why not have a look at our web site below:

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