'When Online Be Switched On' | By Lynch Solicitors Ltd

As we have experienced an unusual couple of years with Covid-19, we have become accustomed to online shopping now more than ever before. 

Whilst the shops are back open, a lot of people are still doing their shopping on their phones and computers so as to avoid the Christmas queues.

Therefore, there are a few things you need to know if you are one of those people.

What are your rights?
You might think that you are not protected when buying online or do not have the same consumer rights; however, this is not the case. Rather, you have the same protections under consumer law as buying in a shop.

Have you Changed your mind about a Christmas gift?
Did you purchase something online, perhaps during the Black Friday sales, but now regret buying it or found a better Christmas gift? Don’t worry; when buying online within the EU, you have a right to cancel the order within 14 days of the purchase. This is known as the “cooling off” period. This applies even if the item was bought on sale. 

The 14 days starts once you physically receive the goods and if you decide to cancel your order within the 14 days, you are entitled to receive a full refund, regardless of your reason for cancelling. But remember, the goods must also be returned within 14 days from cancellation. 

You should also be mindful of the fact that not all purchases are covered by this cooling-off period. The cooling-off period does not apply to gifts such as concert tickets, hotel bookings, products that cannot be returned for health or hygiene reasons, personalised or custom-made products etc.

It is also important to be aware that if the seller does not give you information on your cancellation rights, your right to cancel is extended by 12 months. If the seller gives you information on your right to cancel within this 12-month period, the cooling-off period ends 14 days from the date you get the information.

How do I cancel my order?
You must inform the seller of your intention to cancel the order, within 14 days, in writing, by email or post or by using the cancellation form if one is provided by the seller.

Once you do this, you are entitled to be fully refunded within 14 days of your cancellation and must be refunded using the same payment method as used when the purchase was made unless you agree to a different payment method with the seller.

Am I entitled to a refund for return postage costs?
If you decide to return an item, you are responsible for the return and the seller does not have to refund you for the postage costs. Keep an eye out, however, as some sellers’ return policies will cover such costs.

Where is my order?
When you buy an item online, you should receive it within 30 days of purchasing it, or, if agreed differently, on the date you agreed with the seller.

If the item is not delivered within this time frame, you can request a new delivery date. If the seller refuses or cannot facilitate a new delivery date, you can end the contract and request a refund.

Afterthought
Whilst you have the same rights and protections when shopping online, you should be careful when ordering items from outside of the EU, as you may not be able to avail of some of those protections.

We wish all our clients happy shopping, a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.

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