|
archived news blog
May 2012 (26)
April 2012 (39)
March 2012 (49)
February 2012 (42)
January 2012 (44)
December 2011 (33)
November 2011 (47)
October 2011 (42)
Internet retailers 'ignore' trading regulations. Pearson May News Update - Tuesday 22 December
Internet retailers 'ignore' trading regulations
A significant number of internet shopping websites could be in breach of rules set up to protect customers.
Which?, the consumer rights group, has claimed that many online retailers are not complying with the regulations covering distance selling.
One of the most commonly flouted laws, said Which?, concerned the return of unwanted goods.
Under the regulations, consumers have seven working days, after receiving the goods, to cancel the order if they wish. They are also granted a reasonable period of time in which to return the goods.
So long as the order is cancelled in seven days, customers can claim a full refund. The e-retailer cannot charge an administration or re-stocking fee except in those cases where the purchase is cancelled beyond the seven-day period.
Retailers are also obliged to refund any postage and packing fee on the original delivery, although, according to circumstances, they might not have to meet the costs of sending the goods back.
Andrew McClelland of the Internet Media in Retail Group (IMRG) said that, though many sites may be breaking the rules, most are doing so unknowingly.
He said: “A lot of retailers new to the business, whilst not deliberately wanting to break the law, probably don’t understand the requirements of the legislation.”
Online retailers that do not comply with the Distance Selling Regulations could be reported to the Office of Fair Trading.
Business General
This section contains a host of advice and information on a range of business matters, from insuring your
business to dealing with employee absence. Simply visit the topics listed below for further information,
ideas, tips and strategies on how to take your business forward.
Click here for more information
See What's On Our Site
Our site also contains:
- A huge database of business information
- Your portal to the web with our powerful search facilities and Links section
Home | Contact Us | Recruitment | Services | News | Knowledge Centre | International
About Us | Companies House Search | Links | Search | Register | Logout
Terms
and Conditions
Technical Problems - email service@pearsonmay.co.uk
Copyright © 2009 Pearson May. All rights reserved.