Many online shoppers are unaware of their rights and the potential pitfalls
in buying over the internet, the
Trading
Standards Institute (TSI) warned today at the launch of
National
Consumer Week.
The TSI also fired a warning shot at the 62,000-plus UK businesses that trade
online, many of which are "not clued up about their legal obligations to
consumers", according to the organisation.
Many sellers are unaware of their obligation to provide clear written
information about their goods or services, including contact details,
information on how to cancel an order, and a breakdown of costs, including any
relevant taxes and delivery charges.
"The findings from an
Office
of Fair Trading study into online shopping demonstrate the urgent need to
improve awareness among shoppers and sellers and to highlight the danger signs,
" said Ron Gainsford, chief executive at the TSI.
"Our principal message is simple: when buying from afar, know what your
rights are."
The TSI's week-long initiative draws on the findings of a 14-month inquiry into
internet shopping published by the Office of Fair Trading in June.
In some cases, online shoppers have more rights than when they buy through
high street retail outlets. Under the Distance Selling Regulations, for example,
online consumers are entitled to a seven-day 'cooling-off' period.
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