Virtual Shop Keepers Offered Advice In National Consumer Week
The arrival of the Internet now means that anyone with a computer and goods to sell can become a retailer. However, many online retailers, especially those who have ‘moved over’ from selling goods privately on auction websites to creating their own ‘buy it now’ sites are not complying with laws designed to protect consumers.
In National Consumer Week (12th to 16th November 2007) Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards is offering information to online sellers on what they need to do in order to comply with the law.
Research conducted this year by Warwickshire Trading Standards revealed that of 97 ‘virtual’ shops, (mostly based in Warwickshire), most failed to provide their full company or business name, their geographical address, or information about a consumers right to cancel – thing they should be doing by law.
Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards said:
“The Internet had afforded people the opportunity to set themselves up in business without many of the costs high street shops have to bear. However, they have the same responsibilities as normal retailers to comply with those laws that both protect consumers and help create a fair trading environment.”
Online retailers should give consumers:
Clear information about the goods or services offered before they buy.
Written confirmation of this information after they have made their purchase.
A 7 day ‘cooling off’ period during which an order can be cancelled without any reason and a full refund made – for most items/services.
A full refund if the goods or services are not provided by the date the consumer agreed. If the consumer didn’t agree a date, then they are entitled to a refund if the goods or services are not provided within 30 days.
Their statutory rights to a refund, replacement or repair of goods that are not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as described, apply.
For full details of an online traders responsibilities under the law, visit our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards