Don't buy furniture on impulse

Don't buy furniture on impulse

Don't buy furniture on impulse

  • Comments: 0 in total
  • Author: MyVillage

Don't buy furniture on impulse



Feature

You might walk past a shop window and spot a piece of furniture that you simply must have. However, buying furniture, unlike a new pair of shoes, often means signing a contract agreeing to the sale. This can spell trouble if you later decide it isn’t suitable.
Consumer Direct, the government advice service, recommends that you think carefully before buying furniture on a whim.

While buying furniture still entitles your to your rights as a consumer, once you put in an order and sign a contract to that effect, you may find yourself unable to get a refund if, say, you can’t fit it through your front door or it doesn’t match your interior.

Carol Brady, operations manager for Consumer Direct, explains, “Buying furniture on impulse can be particularly troublesome. You’d be surprised how many people buy large items of furniture without first taking measurements.

“If you buy a sofa and then realise it won’t fit through your front door, you have no automatic right to a refund.”

Consumer Direct received almost 50,000 enquiries and complaints about furniture last year, accounting for five per cent of total recorded cases. In order to help shoppers avoid some of the common pitfalls, Consumer Direct has put together the following tips.

Measure the dimensions in your home before you go out to make sure that whatev
er you are buying will fit in its intended space and through doorways and corridors.

If possible, take a sample of the fabric home with you before you buy to check it is appropriate.

Check labels for cleaning instructions. Failing to adhere to these may limit your rights should a problem develop after cleaning the product incorrectly.

Ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to clarify any concerns you may have, such as the delivery date. If you have a specific request, make sure it is expressed in writing on the order form. This will then be considered an express term of the contract.

For items costing over £100, you may want to consider paying by credit card as the credit card company may be equally liable if the goods are faulty or do not correspond with their description when delivered. You may have similar rights against a finance company if HP is arranged by the trader.

Once you have signed a sale or finance agreement in store, you will not have an automatic cooling off period. If you are verbally told you have one, make sure you check the terms and conditions of the contract.

Inspect goods carefully when they are delivered. Under the Sale of Goods Act, your goods must be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for purpose. If you find a fault on inspection, bring it to the driver’s attention immediately and note your concerns on the delivery note. If anything does go wrong, it is the shop, not the manufacturer, that is responsible. Report any problems to the shop as soon as possible and be prepared to put your complaints in writing.

For further advice, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.


Picture caption: A measure of caution – check the size of furniture in the showroom before making an expensive mistake.



MyVillage, 30th June

Homes & Property


Fill the form below and let us do the rest.

Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Mortgage Required:
Telephone number:
Call back time:
 
powered by mayfair consulting ltd


Interiors
Cosy interior design tricks
Give your room some space
Don't buy furniture on impulse

Colours

Colour for effect
Colour therapy for kitchens
How light affects interior colour schemes

Tips and Tricks

Interior styling for outdoor rooms
See double when decorating
Quick interior design tricks

House and Home

Bring home the finishing touches
Gadget-loving generation
Renovating Britain

Competitions
Win a PRADA phone
Win Nintendo DS Lite

Win IKEA vouchers

Visit Vegas

Visit Vegas

There's always a chance. Anything is possible.

click here

Local dating Join now

Looking for a Date

Dan 28

London

Read more...

Looking for a Date

Dominique 26

London

Read more...

Local Jobs



Have Your Say:
Is Britain DIY Savvy?

Does the simplest of tasks at home cause an outbreak of...... Read more
Need to get your finanaces in Shape?
Want some information and guidance? Call 0800 954 9492... Read more



          want to see your business here?

Find a Job



Keywords:

i.e. Job title, company

Location:

e.g. London or EC1A



[Advanced Search]