Consumer Disputes and Sales of Goods and Services
According to the Office of Fair Trading, unsatisfactory goods and services cost British consumers more than £8 billion a year.
Under English law, traders need to comply with the legislation and regulations on the sale of goods. The law on this area has evolved over many years and is principally set out in a few key pieces of legislation.
All buyers of goods and services are entitled to remedies under the legislation but consumers are entitled to a greater range of remedies. ‘Consumers’ are people who are buying for themselves, that is, not for their trade, business or profession. All buyers are entitled to goods of satisfactory quality but cannot, for example, expect a legal remedy for fair wear and tear or a fault they should have discovered on reasonable inspection.
It is important that commercial clients who are engaged in the sale of goods and provision of services are aware of their duties and obligations to consumers.
If you are a trader seeking to ensure you comply with your obligations, our consumer team offers an in-depth comprehensive service in all consumer matters and can advise and represent you in order to successfully resolve any consumer disputes.
