Common mistakes include contacting the manufacturer instead of the retailer, throwing away receipts or other proof, and waiting too long to report a problem. In most purchases, your legal rights are against the trader that sold you the goods or services, although other remedies may sometimes apply. Keep records of the purchase and correspondence, explain the problem clearly, and give the trader a reasonable chance to put things right. Your available remedy can depend on the circumstances and timing, so check the official Citizens Advice or GOV.UK guidance, or speak to a solicitor regulated by the SRA if the dispute is significant.