SHOPPING
ONLINE
With the increased use of the internet,
shopping is becoming a truly global experience, with more and more
consumers turning to their computers to buy things like software,
CDs and books.
Like
mail order, people appreciate the convenience of not having to traipse
around the shops, and can browse among a huge choice of goods in
their own time. But
shopping on the Internet can bring its own problems too.
Top 10 Tips for safer
online shopping:
- Be careful when you give
your credit or debit card details on the internet. Always find
out whether the company has a secure site, and look for information
about the protection the company has put in place.
- The trader must give their
name, address and telephone number, not just their e-mail address.
They must also fully describe the goods for sale and orders must
be confirmed in writing.
- As
with any other type of purchase, shop around for the best
deals and prices. You are
now entitled to a 7 day "cooling off" period when you
can change your mind.
- Watch out for high postage
rates and for other hidden costs, such as VAT and other duty payable,
particularly if goods are being sent from abroad.
- See if you can get personal
recommendations for companies you have not done business with
before.
- Remember,
goods being sent from abroad may take some time to be delivered.
Check with the
trader how long this will take, and set a delivery date that
you must have them by, if that is important. Where no delivery
date
has been agreed then delivery must be within 30 days. Goods &
Services ordered from UK & European Countries will be covered
by the "Distance Selling" Regulations. Check out our
leaflet "Shopping from Home" for more information on
your rights under this important law.
- Check
what the company’s
policy is on returning goods that you don’t like or have
changed your mind about. Again, if they have come from abroad,
you may be faced with a hefty postage bill to return them. Refunds
must be made within 30 days.
- On the subject of buying
from abroad, remember that if you have problems like faulty goods
or non-delivery, it might be very difficult to get your complaint
dealt with. Although your contract will probably be covered by
U.K. law, allowing you to sue in your local court, getting money
out of a company based abroad may be impractical.
- For
that reason, don’t
buy very expensive items from companies outside the UK or Europe
unless you know them well - that way, if things do go wrong,
you
limit the risk.
- Most importantly,
print out the order, and keep any terms and conditions that appear
on the web site, just in case of any disputes or problems later
on.
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