Tackling Consumer Frights this Halloween and beyond…

I wondered that, but it seems each of the images is hyperlinked.

The links just tell me what to do about the problems not give consumer experiences.

Or am I missing something? 🤔

Hello Alfa and Ian, sorry that the phrasing was a little misleading. We’ve created the images to share the guides to the most consumer rights problems we see. Each image will take you through to a guide.

Seeing as it’s All Hallows Eve-eve(!) we’d like to hear any consumer rights problems you’ve encountered recently – the more ghoulish and creative the better, and I’m sure Melissa will be happy to offer some advice for any of your consumer frights! 🎃

Thanks @ldeitz. The intro makes sense now. 👻

We’ve popped a poll in too now – not sure what you make of this, but it’s our poll number 777 😨

Probably better than 666 Lauren.

But a quick investigation into 777 and trying to keep this on topic…

In Unix’s chmod, the value 777 grants all file access permissions to all user types. Dangerous, could give you serious computer problems😱

You’re Increasing Your Awareness to Know Yourself Better getting savvy to scams🤔

You’re Ready to Practice The New Knowledge You have taken note of all the good advice on Which? and put it into practice🤓

You’re Interacting in Perfect Synchronicity With The Universe following all that good advice, life is now a breeze 🎆

Your holiday plane ✈️ hopefully won’t have to claim compensation

777 on a slot machine 🎰 You have won the jackpot.🤑🤑🤑🥂

Our very talented internal design team pulled them together on Friday 🙂

I normally have little time for animated gifs but I like these customised ones.

Thanks @wavechange, I’ll let the team know

I can pop that option in, Malcolm

It was a bit tongue in cheek, Lauren, for the benefit of those who might like to vote but were not covered. 🙁 Perhaps a more positive option would be “none of these but this is my gripe” – but that is the job of a Convo, isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks for the thought.

I think phantom tradesmen could make the list.

Perhaps the worst consumer frights could be published in a special edition Witch? Mag.

We have asked Which? to comment on this on a number of occasions. We need a compulsory registration system at point of purchase, and we need a public consumer body with teeth – Trading Standards re-invigorated. I think putting a compulsory registration system for appropriate products in Trading Standards’ hands, with the income that could generate, should help re-establish an essential service to consumers – all of us – that has been allowed to wither away.

@ldeitz, Lauren, are Which? considering these suggestions and will they respond at some point with their views and, if necessary, alternative ways forward?

I don’t care how it is achieved but putting the job in the hands of an organisation such as Trading Standards that is underperforming might mean slow progress. A separate focused organisation might be a better option, though obviously it would have to work closely with TS.

I think if we want to achieve a result we should be prepared to suggest ways of doing so, both to stimulate a positive discussion on better ways and to prompt a response from those who might be able to progress the issue.

Hi @malcolm-r, I’ll do some digging around but I thought this had been covered previously in our discussion on product safety and the need for a new national body. I may be wrong though, will take a look – sorry for the holding reply 🙂

@ldeitz, Lauren, thanks. I apologise if I have overlooked or, worse, forgotten a reply. I just don’t recall seeing a response from Which? to say they would lobby to see Trading Standards properly resourced and financed, nor that they were in favour of a compulsory registration scheme for appropriate products operated by TS, or being specific about an alternative way of dealing with it.

Personally, it would be good simply to see TS revived.