Fair Trading Practices

Front 1

Fit for Purpose

Back 1

The product or service should do what it’s supposed to do; both the everyday purpose and any specific purpose that you agreed with the seller, e.g.a printer, and a printer that is compatible with your computer.

Front 2

Matches Description

Back 2

There must be no misinterpretation or false advertising, the product or service must match any models or samples you were shown, or any brochure/catalogue description.

Front 3

Satisfactory Quality

Back 3

Goods sold must be of a good quality and meet the required safety standards.Products which meet the standards set must display the relevant kite or safety assurance markings.

Front 4

Office of Fair Trading

Back 4

The part of the government that looks after consumers to make sure they are treated fairly. This non-profit, non-ministerial part of the government was closed in April 2014, it’s role is now covered by citizen’s advice, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Competition and Markets Authority.

Front 5

Trades Description Act

Back 5

This act makes sure that retailers and manufacturers describe their products honestly and fairly. They must not mislead consumers with false claims about the quality of the product or false claims about what the product can do. For example, advertising fake designer goods by claiming they are genuine.

Front 6

Consumer Rights Act

Back 6

The regulation passed by parliament that describes how consumers should be treated and what they can expect.

Front 7

Pyramid Selling

Back 7

An often illegal, unsustainable business model that lures members via a promise of payments or services for enrolling others into the scheme, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public

Front 8

Inertia Selling

Back 8

The illegal practice of sending unrequested goods to householders followed by a bill for the price of the goods if they do not return them.

Front 9

False advertising

Back 9

Claiming a product/service does something, has certain ingredients or comes from a certain origin which is not true. Failing to inform the customer of some facts which may affect the buying decision.

Front 10

Falsely claiming accreditation

Back 10

Pretending to belong to a professional body, e.g. an independent Travel Agent tells you that your booking is safe as he is registered with ATOL but he/she is not.

Front 11

Standards

Back 11

A guideline which is widely accepted.

Front 12

Law

Back 12

A formal rule adopted by Parliament and enforced by the government.