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Cancel and Return any Unwanted Internet Goods ASAP- 24/11/2010
With more people than ever expected to purchase their Christmas presents via the internet this year, Wolverhampton law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is reminding them of their consumer rights when purchasing from websites.
“The main thing to remember is that if you are not happy with something you bought, cancel and send it back as soon as possible. Do not wait until after Christmas to try and return it,” says Craig Ridge, a partner in FBC Manby Bowdler’s Litigation Department.
“Buyers have seven days to cancel and return their goods, for any reason whatsoever. If they have already received the items, they must send them back to the seller in good condition and pay for the cost of returning them,” continues Mr Ridge.
“However, on cancellation the seller has to give a full refund, including any delivery costs, as soon as possible, but certainly no later than 30 days after the cancellation.
To get a full refund the goods do not have to be defective. If they are defective then the usual statutory rights governing the purchase of goods apply.”
According to Mr Ridge, the rules and regulations for buying over the internet are set out in The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 (as amended).
He continues: “These regulations protect consumers based in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when they are buying goods and services where the transaction takes place without ‘face to face’ contact. To ensure that the regulations apply, purchase from websites in those countries is advisable.
“No matter what they might say on their website, sellers cannot contract out of these provisions, so if they are having difficulties in getting refunds, consumers should stick to their guns.
“However, it is important to note that these regulations these regulations do not apply to certain goods and services such as perishable items, and consumers should also be aware that they also do not include custom made items and items purchased via internet auctioning sites such as eBay,” concludes Mr Ridge.
With 36 partners, FBC Manby Bowdler is one of the largest law firms in the West Midlands. The firm has offices in Wolverhampton, Willenhall, Telford, Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth.