One-day sales offering bargains are on the increase and some people may get good value for money, but not all. So how do you avoid that 'I've been had' feeling the morning after? 

About sales

One day sales are just that - the seller is here today and gone tomorrow and they are usually held at very short notice. Most people attend as a result of a leaflet or ad and have not had much time to shop around to check how good the 'bargains' are. Panic buying can lead to you leaving with goods that you never actually intended to buy and paying more for them than you would elsewhere.

Your rights

Remember: When you buy goods you are entering a legally binding contract and cannot return them just because you think you've paid too much.

Under The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) you can only reject the goods if:

• they are not as described, or
• they are not fit for the purpose, or
• they are not of satisfactory quality.

It will be up to you to pursue your claim through a civil court in the event of a dispute with the seller.

Shop around

It is always good practice to compare prices in several shops to see if that bargain is as good as it sounds.

Seller details

The seller won't be there tomorrow. Make sure you have a full name and address in case the goods are faulty. That information should be displayed prominently on the premises.

Price labels

If it is not an auction, by law there should be an indication of the price on or near the goods. If you can't see any prices, ask yourself - why not?

Inspecting the goods

If you cannot inspect the goods at the time and later find they are faulty, you can return them to the seller ... providing you know where to find him/her!

Ask for a receipt

There is no obligation for the seller to give a receipt but you may need a proof of purchase if you wish to return faulty goods, so ask for one.

Ask about bargains

Top brand names at give-away prices are a great crowd puller, but are they there? Ask at the start - you may avoid a long wait.

Responsibility for faulty goods

Ensure you know where the seller is. They, not the manufacturer, should refund your money.

Refund rights

No. If the goods do not comply with The Sale of Goods Act (as amended), you are entitled by law to a refund or other remedies.

Credit card protection

If you spend over £100 on an item, you may have a claim against the credit card company if the goods are faulty. Don't let the seller split the transaction into units of less than £100.

This information is not intended to imply that any particular trader is at fault. It is merely to highlight problems that may occur with one day sales.