In bargain sales, the consumers' rights under The Sale of Goods Act remain intact. Usually in such sales, prices are considerably slashed, but beware of signs such as: No Refund on Sale Items or All Sales are Final.

Consumers need to think very carefully before buying goods from such traders, since you may have problems exercising your rights under The Sale of Goods Act if the goods prove to be faulty soon after purchase. Items of clothing are sometimes labeled incorrectly, for example, a size 14 dress may really be size 12. The colour of shoes may have faded if they were displayed outside the shop window for sometime, but the faults may not be visible at the time of purchase. It is always the responsibility of traders to point out these flaws to consumers before the contract of sale is made, allowing the consumer to decide whether or not to make the purchase.

The Sale of Goods Act protects the consumer even in sales. Goods must: (a) be of satisfactory quality, (b) be fit for their purpose, and (c) fit the description given - whether these are items of clothing, footwear, household goods or other products. Consumers are expected to have reasonable use from any of these items. They should not fall apart soon after purchase.

Take your time, use your head, don't waste a dime, don't be misled.

Prices and Consumer Affairs Division Redcliffe Street & Corn Alley Telephone: 462-4347, 562-2732/3.