HAMPSHIRE County Council is offering consumer advice to shoppers seeking the best deals or returning faulty or unwanted Christmas gifts. With so many offers and savings on the high street it can sometimes be difficult to establish which offers present the best value for money.

Now the council’s trading standards service is warning that promotions do not always deliver what they promise and the temptation of store cards could lead to this year’s bargain becoming next year’s burden. While there are plenty of reduced items available, retailers sometimes buy in products specifically for the sale, and if they have not been sold at a higher price, they should not be listed as reduced.

Inviting signs may claim an unbelievable discount, but the best bargains could be found elsewhere, particularly when it comes to mobile phone contracts and other electronic gadgets. The advice from trading standards officers is to be clear about what you want, and to shop around to avoid getting carried away with unwanted and expensive extras. When it comes to the attraction of store cards and credit, trading standards also warn that although there may be temptation to take up the offer, in the long term this could result in paying over the odds, long into the summer.

Always check the interest rate on offer or see if an alternative payment method would be more suitable. When returning or exchanging goods, retailers not only have responsibilities under the law, but may also show consumer goodwill.

Remember however, that even if you did not buy the gift you are returning, it is up to you to present proof of purchase in the form of a receipt.