Distance Selling Regulations

Just wondered how many members know their rights under the distance selling regulations ? We all shop online and over the phone - good to make sure you know your rights if you encounter a problem - or just change your mind.

The Distance Selling Regulations

The Distance Selling Regulations protect your consumer rights when buying products from a distance, for example, online or over the phone. They set out information the seller must give about the goods or service on offer, including:
•a description of the goods or service
•the price of the goods or service
•delivery and any cancellation rights
•information about the seller

This information will normally be set out in the terms and conditions, but if you're buying goods over the phone the seller can provide the information verbally.

The information about the seller must include a geographical address if payment is taken. When you place an order, the seller becomes obliged to provide further information in writing or by email.

This includes details of how to exercise any right to cancel and who is responsible for the cost of returning goods. If the seller has already provided this information they don't need to do so again.

Your right to cancel an order

The Distance Selling Regulations state that your right to cancel an order starts the moment you place your order and doesn’t end until seven working days from the day after you receive your goods.

This is the minimum consumers must be given and many sellers choose to exceed this, so always check the terms and conditions in case you have longer to return your items.
As this seven-day working period is the time you have to decide whether to cancel, the seller can’t say that you must have returned the goods within this time frame.
Confirmation of your cancellation should be sent by email, letter or fax.


A fuller version is available on the goverment website - and they also give you templates for cancellation.
So if you buy something - and it's not what you thought - or doesnt suit or do the job - send it back ! Dont think you have to lump it - these regualtions are here to protect you as a consumer.

Then there is also the Sales of Goods act - another tool for comsumers so read up on that as well !!

sharen