Illegal signs GRRRRR!

gyzmo

Purchased a rather natty looking clock from a local store, only to find it not working and it also was missing the hour finger. Went back to the shop just now to ask for a replacement, but it was the last one. So I said I would like a refund and she said they do not do refunds, only credit notes. she then pointed to a sign that said:

"Please note that we will only exchange goods if they are faulty or exchange for a credit note. You're [sic] statutory rights are not effected [sic]"

I pointed out, helpfully I thought, that the sign was illegal and explained the reasons why. But apparently, so she thinks, the addition of the phrase on statutory rights not being affected made the sign quite legitimate. She then proceeded to chase me out of the shop.

Thankfully I got back in and took a photo on my mobile of the offending sign (complete with her head sticking above the counter with a rather angry look on her face) and have forwarded it to my buddies in Trading Standards. I'm going to make sure that I am there when they visit the store, just to watch the look on her face when they deal with her.

Shops that try to fob people off like that REALLY annoy me, and this shop owner is going to regret it!

Poppycat

Good for you. Those sort of signs are illegal and Trading standards I am sure would be interested in getting them to take it down, I do hope the prosecute too. One wonders how many people haven't stood up or wasnt aware of the law.

everythingblogcast

Name and shame them and get everyone not go shop there aka boycott it will teach her.

Anthillmob

is it really illegal for signs like this? i didnt know that. whats the 'regulation' (you know what i mean) thanks

mrbadexample

gyzmo wrote:

"Please note that we will only exchange goods if they are faulty or exchange for a credit note. You're [sic] statutory rights are not effected [sic]"

Did you tell her that it's the part about the statutory rights that means you can have a refund?

mrbadexample

Anthillmob wrote:

is it really illegal for signs like this? i didnt know that. whats the 'regulation' (you know what i mean) thanks

AFAIK, it's not illegal to display the sign. However, it's not worth the cardboard it's written on.

Crabman

mrbadexample wrote:

AFAIK, it's not illegal to display the sign. However, it's not worth the cardboard it's written on.

what's the point if it isn't illegal to display the sign? :rolleyes:

Poppy9

gyzmo wrote:

"Please note that we will only exchange goods if they are faulty or exchange for a credit note. You're [sic] statutory rights are not effected [sic]"

The sign is not illegal as it does point out that your statutory rights are not affected. Under the SOGA you are entitled to your money back or replacement if goods are not fit for the purpose. Her sign is telling you this by saying they will comply with SOGA.

What is not right is her offering you a credit note as it not only contravenes SOGA but her won sign that tells you that you have statutory rights. What the sign is trying to say is that they will not exchange goods if they are in working order but they may offer a credit note if they feel in the mood:o

TS should ring them and tell them their obligations and advise them to simplify their signage.

The sign would be worthless/illegal if it didn't say "your statutory rights are not affected" and TS would make them remove.

kuohu

Can you upload the photo using something like photobucket.com and then post it on here?

JohalaReewi

I agree with Poppy9 on this one. The sign would seem to be saying:

1. They will only exchange goods if faulty
(ie. they won't exchange goods if they are not faulty); or
2. They will exchange goods for a credit note (faulty or not);
3. Statutory rights are not affected.

The error the assistant made was to refer to the sign when the OP asked for a refund for a faulty item (a statutory right).

The sign isn't illegal but could be worded better and perhaps the assistant should swot up on what her customers' statutory rights are.

peter_the_piper

Sillly point I know but since when does the fact that a hand was missing not make the clock faulty. By definition you need 2 hands to tell the time so if you can't tell the time as one is missing then the clock is faulty. Therefore under her t&c's you are entitled to your money back.