internet auction sites

(for all nations)

Enter your postcode in the field at the bottom of this page to see if your local authority trading standards department has the full leaflet version available on its website. 

Enter your postcode in the field at the bottom of this page to see if your local authority trading standards department has the full leaflet version available on its website. 

When you sell goods over the Internet, some rules apply even if you are selling to businesses, but many apply only if you sell to consumers. Sales by auction are exempt from some of the main rules, including the requirement to provide cancellation rights.

Certain information must be provided to potential buyers before a contract is made, including a trading name, trading address, and other details such as delivery charges and rights to cancel. A consumer buyer normally has the right to cancel the contract without giving any reason at all. There are specific exemptions listed.

Buyers can expect the goods to be of satisfactory quality, as described, fit for the purpose, and to comply with other trading standards law such as product safety, and pricing.