Consumer rights when buying goods online or by mail order
Distance selling regulations
Online shopping and catalogue problems
Shopping online or with home shopping catalogues can be easier
and cheaper than the high street but is an experience that can
often leave you with a massive headache.
There are many disadvantages to buying goods at a distance; you
may receive a different item to the one you ordered, or you may
have made a mistake on the order form for example. And if something
does go wrong it is difficult to know if and how you can return the
items.
But just like purchasing goods in person, there are special
regulations in place that protect you when buying goods over the
internet, from a catalogue, by phone or by fax.
To find what your consumer rights are when buying goods online
or by mail order then read on.
Your rights when shopping online or from a
catalogue
Under the Distance Selling Regulations you have the right to
cancel your internet or catalogue order anytime from the moment you
place the order up to seven working days from the day you receive
it.
If you order a service online, e.g. a mobile phone contract,
then you have the right to cancel the order up to seven working
days after you agree the contract with the seller.
Online shops must also clearly set out the stages you have to
complete before placing an order. You must also be given the chance
to double-check the order form before clicking "Confirm".
The retailer must also give full details of who they are and how
they can be contacted by both post and by email.
Be wary of online retailers that do not follow these
regulations.
Claims Financial