Distance
Selling
Goods and services
sold on the Internet are subject to the same legal controls as goods and
services sold on the high street. This method of selling is additionally
controlled by the Distance Selling Regulations and the E
Commerce Regulations.
The Consumer
Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations require the consumer to be
provided with information in a clear and easily understood manner and in good
time before the conclusion of any distance contract.
Key features of the
Regulations:
- The consumer must be given clear information
about the goods or services offered
- After making a purchase the consumer must be
sent confirmation of the information in writing or another durable medium, such
as fax or email, unless it has already been provided in writing. This should
include details of when and how the consumer can exercise the right to cancel,
a postal address where you can be contacted and details of any after-sales
services and guarantees. This confirmation must be provided at the latest by
the time that the goods are delivered, or in the case of services, before or in
good time during the performance of the contract.
- If you are providing a service with no
specified end date or for a period of more than one year for example a mobile
phone, you must also send details about when and how the consumer can terminate
the contract.
- The contract must be performed within 30 days
unless the parties agree otherwise.
- Generally, the consumer has a cooling-off
period of seven working days. Exceptions to this include: goods made to the
consumer's specification; goods that cannot be returned - perishable goods
(flowers, fresh good) CD, DVD, tapes with software, audio or video if unsealed;
newspapers and magazines; betting, gaming & lotteries.
- If the consumer cancels they must be
reimbursed as soon as possible and within a maximum period of 30 days.
Guidance on the regulations can be found at
www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/pdf1/bus_guide.pdf
Please Note
This leaflet is not an authoritative
interpretation of the law and is intended only for guidance. For further
information please contact your local Consumer Protection or
Trading Standards office.
Trading Standards Division, 3rd Floor, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Telephone: (0151) 691 8020 Fax: (0151) 691 8098
Internet World Wide Web http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/wirral/
Electronic Mail: tradingstandards@wirral.gov.uk
