BAD SANTA: Don't get ripped off this Christmas

Media savvy

The time limit – and a company can increase it in their own Ts&Cs if they like – is for how long you have to let them know you want to send something back. There's then another 14 days to do so, and you should receive your refund within another 14 days.

However, there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, the refund only has to cover basic shipping. If you paid for next day service, you won't necessarily get that back, nor are you automatically entitled to a refund of the return postage. This is an area where shopping around can help. For example, Appliances Online includes free collection with their returns policy.

Secondly, if you've obviously used an item more than you would if examining it in a shop, then the vendor is entitled to reduce the amount of the refund, as they won't be able to sell it as new.

Most significantly, some items aren't covered. That includes media such as CDs or DVDs where the seal has been opened, anything perishable, and items that have been customised or specially made.

So, if you're thinking of treating someone to a Moto X, for example, but not sure if they'll like the size, you'd be wisest to order the standard plain black model. If you had used MotoMaker to customise the handset, then the device would no longer be covered by the regulations. Similarly, take that iPod to be engraved once you're sure the recipient's happy with it, not before.

For the first time, digital downloads are explicitly covered by the legislation. This works largely by saying that it must be made clear to you that if you download something within the 14 day cancellation period, you don't have the right to cancel. Watch out for this with Amazon's AutoRip: buy an album, return it, and if you have downloaded any of the MP3 versions, you'll be billed for the digital version of the same album. That includes automatic downloads, too, so turn them off if you don't want to be caught out.

Other minor tidying up in the new regulations includes the requirement that a geographical address be provided, together with compatibility information for digital content, and a clear statement of your cancellation rights.

Warranty matters

With the pace of change these days, a lot of equipment is likely to be obsolete long before it breaks down, but that's not always the case. So, you need to know where you stand with a warranty. Although a lot of stores may say it's only a single year, EU rules mandate at least two years now.

The lack of knowledge of this is why some stores manage to make it sound like they're being generous when they boast about giving you two years.