Retail

Knowing your rights and what the law states puts you, the consumer, in a stronger bargaining position. Every time you buy goods you enter into a contract with the person selling the goods. The most important obligations the trader owes to the consumer are contained in the Sale of Goods Act 2002 (as amended).

The obligations are:

Goods must be of satisfactory quality, be safe and free from defect;
Goods must be as described. (For example, if the label states 100% cotton, then it should not be made of polyester);
Goods must be fit for their purpose;
Goods should work for a reasonable amount of time.

Before buying goods or services:

Research. Find out as much information as possible about the product or service. Compare prices between the different stores that supply the product or service.
Check store policies. Ask what the store policies are before you purchase the product since there is no law that says the store policy must be displayed. Some stores have their policies printed on the receipts, or posted on a sign near the cash register.
Always keep your receipts and packaging. It fares better for you in case you have to return the product for an exchange or because it is defective. Also keep the original packaging when you bought the item.
For gift certificates, be cautious; gift certificates may have an expiry date and the terms and conditions of use. If the gift certificate is lost, the store is not obligated to replace it.
For sale items, be cautious; sale items are often not returnable. Again, keep the receipt or ask the store if they have gift receipts.
For returns, if you change your mind you are not obligated to a return. Returns must only be accepted for faulty products.