Just finished your Christmas shopping - then it's straight into looking for bargains in the New Year sales.

City of York's Trading Standards Service wants to ensure that consumers on the hunt for a good deal avoid "too good to be true" offers, are aware of their consumer rights, and know what to do if things go wrong.

Bargain hunters are advised to:

* Read all it says on the sale notice or advertisement. A sign may seem to read 50 per cent off from a distance, but a closer look might reveal the words "up to".

* Shop around - even a "massive reduction" doesn't mean you can't buy the same item at a lower price elsewhere, and "special purchase" items, should be treated with caution, as there may be no way of making a price comparison.

* Remember that just because an item is reduced in price it does not mean that it should not be of satisfactory quality, fit for its purpose, or as described.

* Note that if a fault on a reduced price item is pointed out at the time of sale there is no right to a refund.

However, with other sale goods you have exactly the same rights as with items bought at any other time.

Shops which display "No Refund On Sale Items" notices are breaking the law, and should be reported to your local trading standards service.

* Don't be pressurised into buying expensive extended warranties for electrical goods in the sale, if you don't want them.

* Watch out for credit deals - an expensive credit deal could wipe out all the savings you've made - check the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and don't be tempted to fund a spending spree on an unauthorised overdraft, or to buy it now if you can't pay later.

It's easy to overextend yourself in pursuit of a bargain.

* Act quickly if any difficulties do occur and you need to seek advice.

You can phone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

If necessary, your complaint will be referred to your local trading standards service.