Other ways of protecting yourself Paying by credit Buying goods on credit or with a credit card may give you extra protection. If you have a complaint about goods bought in this way, you may have a claim against the credit company as well as against the trader. This right applies to goods costing more than 100, even if you only pay a deposit by credit. It could be especially useful if the trader goes out of business. MOTA offers to resolve complaints against its members, using an arbitration system that is independent and low cost.
Many people buy goods by post in response to direct marketing.
This direct marketing can be in the form of inserts, postal advertising sent to people by name or delivered by hand, or by advertisements on television, radio or posters. They include book and music clubs, charities, motoring associations, banks and other financial institutions. The DMA has a code of practice to help protect customers. It also has an independent Authority to conciliate and adjudicate on disputes between customers and member firms. If you want to complain about an advertisement you should tell the Advertising Standards Authority.