As mentioned in ‘How long should it last?’, the statutory term of satisfactory quality only applies if you have bought something from a commercial entity – a supplier or retailer who is acting ‘in the course of a business’. In this respect, your rights under Sale of Goods apply even if the item you have bought is second-hand, as long as you buy it from a registered trader or retailer. If you buy something from a private seller, you don’t have the benefit of this protection and must employ ‘buyer beware’. For this reason, take good care when buying a second hand car from a private seller.

Your Statutory Rights

• How do you measure quality?
• It’s not fit for purpose
• How long should it last?
• Is the guarantee worth the paper it’s written on?
• Rights when knowingly buying damaged goods

Common Complaints

• They say I’ve taken ownership so it’s my responsibility
• Do shops have to give me my money back?
• The shop doesn’t want to know, they say it is the manufacturer’s responsibility.
• It’s second hand – do I have any rights?

And if your statutory rights are broken