For most people this is the time of year to bag a bargain.

End-of-year sales attract thousands of people to the shops, looking to buy goods at a fraction of their pre-Christmas prices.

But this shopping bonanza can bring problems, as people often buy in a hurry without closely examining the cut-price product, and many decide later that they don’t want it at all. It is also the period when people return unwanted Christmas gifts, expecting a refund.

Taking goods back is not always plain sailing. Problems can arise, generating an increase in the number of calls to consumer helplines and other consumer organisations.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service receives many calls from confused members of the public.

“We get more post-Christmas queries regarding sale goods,” says David Lodge, divisional manager with the Morley -based service.“People want to know what their rights are when returning items.”

“Consumers are only entitled to return goods if they are faulty or have been misdescribed in some way,” he explains.

“Customers often believe they have a legal right to return unwanted or unsuitable presents – they don’t realise whatever the retailer offers is often a goodwill gesture only. People will often try to take goods back without a receipt not realising that traders are entitled to ask for proof of purchase.

“If goods are returned and there is no receipt, the shop may offer a refund or exchange to the value of the last selling price, so make sure you keep your receipt as after Christmas the goods may be offered at a sale price.”

He adds: “With defective goods, customers get the same statutory rights for sale goods as full price goods. However, shops which have a policy to take back unwanted goods will not extend this to cover items bought in the sale.

“Always make sure that you examine goods as soon as you can and take defective goods back immediately – you cannot expect a refund if you return them a month after purchase.”

An increasing number of people call trading standards about problems following internet purchases. David cites Distance Selling Regulations, which were put in place in 2000 to protect consumers when they shop online or enter into other contracts at a distance from the supplier.

“Under DSR people have seven days starting from the day after they’ve received the goods to change their mind. However, they may be liable for postage costs.”

If a private seller is selling on goods there are no implied rights about satisfactory quality under the 1979 Sale of Goods Act, explains David, but any description given, such as on eBay, must be correct. “If selling counterfeit or dangerous products, the seller could be committing an offence,” he adds.

For expensive goods costing more than £100, the service advises to pay on a credit card, offering extra protection under the Consumer Credit Act if things go wrong.

Councillor Val Slater, chairman of West Yorkshire Trading Standards sub-committee, says: “This is obviously a very busy time for retailers and shoppers alike. Trading standards receives lots of calls and requests for advice at this time of year, but often it is too little too late. Knowing your rights before taking to the high streets will often save lots of time and trouble later.”

She warns: “Don’t be too hasty to grab a bargain – if it sounds too good to be true it may well be.”

At this time of year empty shops are frequently occupied by traders offering seemingly great bargains particularly on electrical goods, she adds. “Unfortunately these goods are often of poor quality, and the trader may no longer be there once the Christmas/New Year break is over.”

Trading standards also urges caution when buying from street traders, who tend to appear at this time of year selling cut price perfume, branded goods or DVDs. “Very often these turn out to be poor quality counterfeit goods and are, of course, illegal.”

The Citizens Advice offer a free consumer service, offering confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Its website contains many good tips and advice. Says Coun Slater: “If you are not able to find the answer yourself you can always give them a call. If the matter can’t be resolved they may be able to pass your complaint through to trading standards to deal with.”

Citizens Advice consumer service 08454 040506 – the helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm – or visit adviceguide.org.uk.