How do you know what you have bought?

For both my kitchen and en-suite, I received a complete breakdown of all the individual items - each with the price. I keep this with all other papers relating to my flat.

Thanks, I will do that.

Cabbie21 - your receipt should say what kind of carpet it is - ie 100% wool, 80/20, etc etc., stain resistant , how many sq yards etc. Ring him back and ask him to send you a detailed receipt.

We have just bought carpet and vinyl.

I made a note of the manufacturer and the colour. It was on the back of the sample. You could take a photo of the label and keep that I suppose.

I have a small book where I make a note of what colour paint, brand of wallpaper etc., I have used in each room.

It is surprising how handy this can be.

We had to replace a few broken tiles recently. I had made a note of the make and colour. I managed to find them online.

I realise that colours may vary in different batch numbers but I have had good results so far.

I’ve photographed goods, especially jewellery, where the receipt only states diamond bracelet or emerald ring, etc.

Yes - ask for a print out of what you bought. You could need the details of any goods for a claim and in relation to carpets, a professional cleaner will want to know what it’s made from.

Ask for them from whomever sold it to you.