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