Spending wisely in the January sales

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Last year, the Government's Consumer Direct helpline reported that post-Christmas calls had increased by 27%, with hundreds of shoppers calling about problems with sales 'bargains' and faulty goods.

So how do you know you're getting the bargain you're paying for? Have a quick read through these top tips on how to make the most of the January sales, and make sure you don't get ripped off.

1) Plan ahead and only buy what you need

Take some time out to have a look in all your favourite shops before they have their sale and make a list of anything you want or need but can't quite afford. When you hit the high street in January, take your list with you.

If there are any specific dream items of clothing you have on the list it's likely you've already tried them on, so you know exactly which size to look for - which can be a great time saver. Same goes with having measurements for sofas and other furniture.

This trick will also help you to avoid buying unnecessary junk - if you liked it in December and still love it now it is more likely to be a worthwhile purchase.

2) Deals can be too good to be true

Look out for offers that seem too good to be true. More often than not, they are. Always read the small print on any adverts before rushing into making a purchase. Check out the quality, the warranty, and anything else that might make the buying decision easier.

Have a good think about whether the amount of the reduction is really a bargain - and is it a bargain if you really don't need it? Set a spending limit.

Before you switch into crazy shopper mode, think long and hard about how much you can really afford to spend. Once you have this amount in your head - stick to it. If you don't have the cash to buy what you want, it's not worth it.

Add up your spending as you shop to make sure you don't run over your limit. Putting sales spending on your credit card means that, unless you pay the balance in full or get an interest-free deal, you can end up paying more for the item than its pre-sale price. If you don't trust yourself, take your maximum amount with you in cash and leave the cards at home.

If you pay off your credit card in full each month, now is a good time to get a cashback credit card, which rewards you for spending money. We like the American Express Platinum MoneyBack Credit Card. This card offers 5% cashback for the first three months for spending up to £4,000 and then rates vary after that.

So spend a grand in the sales with the American Express card and make yourself £50 back for doing nothing. We also like the Capital One Cashback card which pays you 4% cashback on purchases for the first three months and then 1% after that.

3) Find a sales buddy

Sales shopping alone increases your risk of buying clothes that look silly and cost too much even with a discount. Invite your most brutally honest friend to come with you to ensure you don't buy clothes that are two sizes too small solely because you're getting 50% off.

4) Don't panic if they don't have your size

If you fall in love with an item of clothing, only to discover your size isn't on the rail - don't panic! Ask a shop assistant if they have your size in the stockroom. Failing that, ask them to call other stores in the area; to see if they have what you want. It might not be convenient to call at that moment so ask them if they'd be prepared to phone them at a quieter time.

5) Take it back if there's a problem

The reality is consumers have the same rights when they buy goods in a sale as at any other time of the year. Any shop with signs declaring "no returns on sale goods" are illegal and misleading. Your rights do not decrease when prices are reduced.

But bear in mind that when it comes to items that customers want to return because they've changed their mind, it's the wrong size or a duplicate of what is already owned, there is no legal requirement for the shop to take the items back. You must rely on the goodwill of the retailer.

Most shops, especially the large retailers, have a 'returns policy' where they will allow customers to return their item and get a refund, exchange, credit note or gift voucher to the same value instead. Most policies have time limits so be aware when buying.

Shops do have a legal requirement to take back goods that may have been faulty or damaged before the purchase. However, if the item was marked as faulty or defective and customers still buy them, the shop does not have to refund or exchange the purchase.

It is illegal for shops to pretend that items have been reduced from a higher price to the sale price. But be aware that shops will sometimes buy in goods just to sell during the sales. If you lose your receipts, your rights still apply but you will need an alternative proof of purchase such as a credit card bill or bank statement.

For more information on your rights in sales you can contact Consumer Direct by phone or email.

6) Don't forget online sales

All kinds of websites from travel to beauty to fashion to homeware are having their own sales right now. British Airways and other flight sites are offering great discounts, Boots and Superdrug have some excellent savings and Amazon is offering to return the difference if something you bought before Christmas is now on sale. If you're worried about shopping online get some tips from Shop Safe Online.

Jasmine Birtles is from moneymagpie.com - the website that gives you a richer life.