Shopping can be a lot of fun, but if you do not know your rights as a consumer, it can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Knowing your rights in the marketplace can help you save time, money and avoid making mistakes. Informed consumers know how to shop around, how to compare prices and quality, what after-sales service to expect and how to complain if things go wrong.

It's essential that you know what you are doing before you buy. By understanding your consumer rights and how to exercise them many problems and disputes can be avoided.

Planning your shopping ahead could save you lots of money especially if you are borrowing the money or using a credit card. More planning will also allow you to shop around and compare prices and find out which stores are offering the best deals. It will also help you plan your expenses ahead according to your budget.

It is important to take time and plan your shopping. Christmas shopping can be enjoyable but also stressful. Avoid last minute shopping during Christmas, being in a rush could lead you to spending more money and buying goods incorrectly. When buying toys for children ensure that it is appropriate to the child’s age and not dangerous. Make sure you find out the stores exchange and refund policy before buying.

What rights do consumer protection laws give you?

You have the right to expect:

• certain quality, performance and safety standards from goods and services purchased
• protection from misleading and deceiving practices such as false advertising claims and high pressure selling tactics
• information provided with goods and services is accurate and includes information required by law such as price, content and weight of package, care labels on garments and textiles
• safety instructions on dangerous products.