Shop Smart – Safe Shopping is for us all

Christmas shopping and the hunt for new year deals can sometimes lead to throwing caution to the wind – after all, everyone loves a bargain. But when it comes to buying electrical goods, it

  • shop smart, safe electrical items

should always be safety first. So, if something seems a bit too good to be true, it very often is.

Despite this, figures from charity Electrical Safety First show that one in three UK buyers has unwittingly bought a fake electrical item online – running the risk of fire or electric shock. To make sure you and your loved ones stay safe this Christmas and new year – here’s what to watch when it comes to buying anything electrical online.

  • Ultra-low prices: Manufacturers and suppliers need to make money and there’s only so much they can discount. With the exception of one day deals, there’s usually a limit to how much prices can be cut. If you spot items like laptops, hair straighteners, curling tongs and kitchen appliances that seem too good a deal – trust your instincts and be wary.
  • Address details: According to Electrical Safety First, one in 16 websites that end in co.uk are not actually based in the UK at all. To avoid unscrupulous sellers, check there’s a physical UK address listed and not just a PO Box number. If you do end up buying from a non-UK or EU based retail website, it’s unlikely that UK or European law will be able to help you if something goes wrong.
  • Marks of authenticity: Genuine electrical items should be labelled with safety marks, so look for the CE mark. This shows the product meets strict health and safety regulations in the UK.
  • Check packaging: This is one occasion where judging something by the way it looks can be a good thing. Genuine items should be packaged properly, if packaging is flimsy or there are spelling mistakes then there’s a good chance it may be a fake.
  • Correct plugs: Items sold in the UK should have the correct three pin plug or charger and have a voltage of 230V or 50Hz.
  • Warranties: The majority of electrical items will carry a manufacturer’s warranty and most retailers will also offer their own guarantee. Bona fide websites and suppliers will make sure this information is set out on their websites as well as have a clear returns policy and process.
  • Look for the padlock: Security is an important priority for legitimate online retailers so look out for the padlock and ‘https’ at the start of the web address in the browser – these show that your transaction is secure.
  • Read reviews: Don’t just take the seller’s word for it and don’t believe everything you read on their own website. Online platforms with multiple sellers often note beside a comment whether or not it was a ‘verified purchase’ by cross checking sales against their database. This can be one good way of making sure you don’t get caught out by counterfeiters although it’s not a guarantee. You can also run your own quick check by simply doing an online search using the retailer’s name – this should bring up online forums or other third-party review sites where feedback has been left.

Know your rights

If the item you’ve bought is faulty, unusable or different from the seller’s description, you can ask for a return, replacement or refund – you should also tell Trading Standards if you think it’s fake.

If you don’t get an answer back from the retailer or you’re unhappy with their response, the Citizens Advice Bureau has an excellent guide and practical guidance on what to do next.

If you’ve paid using an online payment platform like PayPal (for example) you could get your money back through them, thanks to their buyer protection scheme which reimburses you if the product you receive isn’t as advertised.

Similarly, if your purchase was over £100 and you used your credit card, depending on the circumstances, your card company should compensate you under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. For more information, take a look at Money Saving Expert’s Section 75 refunds guide.

Stay safe this Christmas and new year

At Barton Electrical, we take safety seriously. From maintenance to installations, we’re here to help and advise when it comes to all your electrical needs – both domestic and commercial.

If you’re looking for general electrical advice, visit our latest news page where we discuss a range of issues – from the dangers of overloaded sockets to tips on staying safe and warm through the winter.

For help with specific issues, drop us a note at info@bartonelectrical.net or call us on 01473 741320.