Consumer rights and complaints about footwear
BFA is not a trade association for retailers and so we are not the prime source
of information about consumer matters but here are some suggestions.
The most important point is that when you bought footwear you entered into a
contract with the retailer and so any possible dispute would be with him/her.
Consumers sometimes seek to involve the manufacturer - who may take an interest
because of reputation - but is not legally part of the sale.
The legislation that applies is the Sale of Goods Act, which will be revised
or replaced fairly soon to reflect some European harmonisation. DTI Consumer
Affairs Directorate is mounting a consultation exercise that will lead to
modifications to the rules.
The practical advice is to try hard to resolve the problem with the retailer
as the other course will be legal action against her/him to enforce a claim
that the goods were "not fit for the purpose for which you bought them".
You might not feel that that was worthwhile for the price of a pair of shoes
but neither would the retailer be likely to wish to devote the effort needed
to defend such an action. It seems to us that a commercial compromise would
be the most sensible solution for most cases.
See the section below about sources of more definitive information about consumer rights.
Problems with footwear which you have bought recently?
The Office of Fair Trading can tell you what to do if you are in dispute
with a retailer after buying unsatisfactory footwear.
It has a consumer information line offering practical help when buying goods
and services - Tel 0345 22 44 99. You can also order a free leaflet "OFT 9
Buying and Repairing Shoes" which will tell you your rights, what to look out
for and what you can do if things go wrong. The order number is 0780 60 60 321.
Websites giving information on consumer rights
Advice and information on consumer rights and on the work of the OFT
www.oft.gov.uk
To find your local Citizens Advice Bureaux
www.nacab.org.uk
To find your local Trading Standards department
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
A directory of links to online advice and information for consumers
www.consumer.gov.uk
