12 Consumer tips for Christmas
Know your consumer rights and how to keep safe this Christmas.
We have chosen 12 tips to avoid most common consumer issues that come with other festive-season favourite activities.
Tis the season to be shopping online. Shopping online can be a very handy way to purchase gifts this Christmas, but know the risks and do your homework. Everything you need to know before you buy online Shopping and Buying Online.
May your house be merry, bright and safe. Don’t buy or use Christmas lights that don’t have a normal plug you would use at home. Check all the lights for broken or cracked sockets or loose connections. For more advice on safely installing Christmas lights visit the Worksafe(external link) website.
Door to door sales – your choice. While many door-to-door salespersons are legitimate, the Christmas period sees an increase in uninvited direct salespeople preying on vulnerable people. Remember you have the right to say no, if you feel pressured don’t agree to anything, and don’t give the salesperson your name or other personal details. Learn more about how to protect yourself from uninvited direct sales Door-to-door Sales.
Give safely this Christmas: the ‘Six S’ guide to safe toys. A good rule of thumb is to avoid the toy if any parts can drop through the neck of a 2L milk bottle - which is about the same size as a child’s windpipe. For more information on what to look for when buying toys head to the Toy Safety.
All I want for Christmas is something that works. When you have asked for a service and it is poorly done or has taken far too long, go back to the provider as soon as possible with information on the problem. Familiarise yourself with Returns and refunds this gift giving season.
Don’t get caught up in Christmas overspending. Take the extra second to ensure you’re making an informed decision before you borrow money. “Consumer Protection has an assortment of information on our Understanding loans and credit page.
Knowing your rights with gift cards this Christmas. While many consumers opt for gift cards to avoid the risk of giving the wrong gift, some are unaware of the consumer risk associated. Everything you need to know before you buy gift vouchers or products on layby.
Splish splash safely this summer. Inflatable swimming pools and buoyancy toys are favourites to adorn the backyard with over summer, but they are not designed to keep children safe in water. Everything you need to know before you buy inflatable pools and toys, including how to use water toys safely.
Add protective gear to the Christmas list.
The proof is in the pudding, or rather the quote. Don’t forget to get the price in writing when engaging with tradespeople. Everything you need to know to prepare for your summer repairs and renovation on our Getting Quotes and Estimates page.
Didn’t get what you expected this Christmas? The first step if you discover a faulty product this Christmas is to return it to the retailer and explain the issue, as well as how you would like the problem to be resolved. Check Faulty Products page to find information on your rights and what you need to know before entering negotiations.
Returning unwanted Christmas presents. If you simply change your mind or don’t want the gift, the retailer is under no legal obligation to provide a refund or exchange. The retailer also doesn’t have to return or swap the product if you have no proof of purchase. However when the product is not damaged and you have a proof of purchase, some retailers may let you return it. What each store does will be subject to store policy, so make sure you ask how the store would handle an unwanted gift before you buy it. Learn more about Returns and Refunds.
Poll: Have you ever had a scary flight?
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
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56.6% Yes!
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43.4% No, it's always been smooth flying
ALEXANDER ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Alexander Road in Trentham-Wallaceville of which 50% separates a golf course from a military encampment enclosure and the rest has mostly high fenced off industrial and residential areas on both sides, should have a 70km speed restriction.
Only a short time ago the road had a 80km restriction and was reduced to a pedestrian 50km much to the frustration of many. It has never been an accident prone stretch of road.
The several round-abouts ensure speed is reduced to 30-40km when these things occur.
I recently stayed a few days in Feilding - often given the title of the best town in NZ - and one of the lengthy main streets has a 70km speed restriction despite a predominance of unfenced residential properties on both sides.
LIVE Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana
Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓
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