After the shocking scenes of people fighting in the aisles to grab a bargain on Black Friday it’s no surprise that many prefer to sit at home and surf the internet on Cyber Monday. The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Payments) Regulations 2013 which came into force in June 2014 replaced the Distance Selling Regulations which protected the customer’s rights when buying products from a distance – ie – online or over the phone. The new rules set out the information the seller must provide about the goods or service on offer. These include:
- the price of the goods or service
- a description of the goods or service
- cancellation rights and delivery
- information about the seller
These will usually be found in the terms and conditions but the seller must provide the information verbally if you are buying over the phone. The seller’s information must include an address if payment is taken and once an order is placed the seller is then obliged by law to provide further information in writing or by email. This should include details of your right to cancel an order and who is responsible for the cost of returning the goods. Your right to cancel an order begins from the time that the order is placed and does not end until seven working days from the day after you receive your goods. There are some goods that are not returnable if you should change your mind, including:
- perishable items – ie- food and flowers
- CD’s, DVD’s or software if you have unwrapped them (unless they are faulty)
- items that have been tailor made
- underwear and earrings If you are returning faulty goods, any terms and conditions that state you must cover the cost of returning an item do not apply.
We have offices in the Christchurch, New Milton and the New Forest. Our Commercial team also cover Bournemouth and Poole. For a free initial chat, please call 01202 499255 and Matthew or a member of the team will be happy to discuss any questions that you may have.
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