The Consumer Rights Act

If a customer complains about goods or services they've purchased from you, it's essential to establish what your responsibilities are under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Ask yourself whether the goods are not as you described them, unfit for their purpose, or of unsatisfactory quality. Ask if the services you have provided have been delivered with reasonable care and skill within a reasonable time for a reasonable charge.

If the customer does have a valid claim under one of the above conditions, then your next step depends on whether:

• the actual items are goods or services
• the customer was acting as a consumer or as a trader

If faulty goods are involved and the purchase was made within the previous 30 days, you should offer a refund. The customer may also claim compensation from you either immediately following the sale or up to six years afterwards. This is uncommon, but if a customer does claim compensation and it's a reasonable claim, you can either:

• offer to repair or replace the goods
• pay the appropriate compensation

Consumers have (as opposed to other businesses) additional rights when they make a complaint.