TSConnect Christmas special from Trading Standards

Devon County Council sent this bulletin at 22-11-2017 02:17 PM GMT
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Holly

Welcome to your Christmas newsletter - full of Trading Standards advice for the festive season.

From us all at Trading Standards, have a very merry Christmas - we hope you stay TSConnected in 2018!

Christmas present

Christmas scams

There are plenty of fraudsters wanting to profit from Christmas. To help you protect yourself, we have some advice on our website highlighting common scams around online shopping, 'missed delivery' cards, holidays, charity donations and e-cards.

    Radiator

    Get your home winter-ready

    Is your house ready for winter? Are your windows energy efficient? Is your roof protected with the right insulation? Is your boiler reliable? Check everything now, and book repairs if you need to.

    Outside, see if trees need attention from a tree surgeon and if your driveway is ice proof.

    Inside, split your checklist into four groups:

    • Heating (including boiler, radiators and insulation)
    • Plumbing (pipes, taps, leaks etc)
    • Electrics
    • Cleaning (windows, chimney, carpets etc).

    If you discover a fault, take care to find the right specialist to fix it. Beware cold callers - they may be rogue traders who persuade you to have unnecessary work done, and provide a poor standard of work that is overpriced and without the usual consumer safeguards.

    If you are not sure who to call, you can find local businesses through Buy With Confidence. All companies listed are fully vetted by Trading Standards, so you know they are trustworthy.

    Social enterprise

    Support for Social Enterprises

    Christmas and the advent of the New Year might get you thinking about the potential for future growth.    

    68% of social enterprises report they would benefit from advice about entering new markets a survey has found. 

    Before considering expansion check you have a viable product or service and a reliable revenue stream. Compare your product or service with others on the market and consider what makes yours different. Be prepared to accept findings which go against your assumptions and adjust accordingly. Growth should be thoughtful and deliberate in order to be sustainable. 

    For funded support on how to grow and to register your interest go to Enhance Social Enterprise.

    Christmas 2017

    Puppy

    Thinking of getting a puppy for Christmas?

    We have had 35 complaints so far this year from consumers seeking advice about a sick or mis-described puppy or an illegally imported puppy. 85% of complaints related to illegally imported puppies, a high proportion of which were sick and some later died.

    Before you buy a puppy read our advice to help you find a four-legged friend who has had the right start in life.

    Presents under tree

    Ensure gifts are safe

    Before you start Christmas shopping, visit our website for advice and resources on product safety, toy safety and product recalls.

    Unwanted presents

    Did you know... you don't have an automatic right to take an unwanted gift back to the shop for a refund just because you don't like it. Citizens Advice has information about your rights.

    Holiday help

    If you're travelling in the EU, Norway or Iceland over Christmas, don't forget that the ECC Net Travel app, from the UK European Consumer Centre, can help you exercise your consumer rights when abroad.

    Poultry

    Keep poultry?

    If you do, remember to take action to prepare for the winter avian flu threat.