This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

A guarantee is extra protection over and above your legal rights when you buy an item. The seller does not have to give you a guarantee.

Guarantees given free with goods bought on or after 31 March 2003 must be written in clear English and be available for you to see. The conditions of the guarantee are legally binding.

In some cases a guarantee allows you to have faulty goods repaired or replaced. Giving a guarantee does not mean that the seller can ignore your legal rights as a customer, for example, your right to get your money back in certain circumstances if there is a problem with the goods.

If a trader tries to ignore a customer’s legal rights they may be committing a criminal offence. In England and Wales, you should contact Consumer Direct on: 0845 404 0506. In Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

For more information on guarantees and on getting your money back when things go wrong with goods, see Common problems with products and Claiming on guarantees and warrantees..

Other Frequently asked questions about consumer affairs:

• Do shops have to give refunds for returned goods?
• Do I have to take a credit note if I return goods?
• Can I take an unwanted present back to the shop?
• Can I return something I bought in the sales?
• Do I have to take goods that don't match my order?
• Can I get a deposit back if I cancel my order?
• How can I make my builder finish the job on time?
• Can I get my money back for a faulty sale item?
• How can a pre-paid card help me?
• What can I do if I bought a faulty car?
• What are my rights if I buy from a private seller?
• A letter says I've won a prize - is it a scam?