Christmas means most of us will have done more shopping than usual. You should expect any goods you buy to be fit for purpose and as described. Here are some tips from the City’s Trading Advice Team:

• Keep all receipts to provide proof of purchase
  
  
• Check goods are working before you wrap them
  
  
• You have the same rights on sales items unless you are told when buying that the reduction is due to a fault
  
  
• Consider paying for goods over £100 by credit card as this gives you added protection if things go wrong. You can claim against the credit card if there are  problems
  
  
• If you shop on-line, make sure you are buying over a secure site. never send credit card details by email
  
  
• Always be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, they usually are. Get a contact number before you buy.
  
  
• When buying toys look for suitable age warnings and safety marks - such as the CE Mark and the Lion Mark.
  
  

For consumer advice you can visit the Trading Standards Advice Centre at 27 Mansfield Road, opposite Victoria Centre or phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506