Shopping at a Distance

The marketplace for consumer goods and services for Island residents has been extended over the past few years by an increasing number of mail order catalogues, the introduction of the Internet and interactive television. Although this type of shopping has advantages for a number of people it does come with its own problems. What happens if goods don’t turn up on time or not at all or they do not meet the advertised description? Specific regulations have been introduced to protect you if you buy in this way and a leaflet on your rights under these regulations is available from our Information Centre.

Consumers have particular concerns about shopping on the Internet. The Trading Standards Institute has 10 Top Tips for safer on-line shopping.

Your Right To Clear Information

Before you buy the seller must give you the following information:

• The name of the trader, along with their postal address if you have to pay in advance
• An accurate description of the goods or services
• The price, along with any taxes and delivery charges if relevant, and how long the price or offer remains valid
• Delivery arrangements (usually within 30 days unless you agree otherwise)
• Payment arrangements
• The right to cancel the order
• Information about whether you will be liable for the cost of returning goods if you change your mind about them
• For the services provided over a period of time, such as a mobile phone contract, you must be told what the minimum duration of the contract will be

After you buy, the trader must also provide you with the following information:

• Written confirmation of your order (by letter, e-mail or fax etc) including the above information if not already provided, say in the catalogue or advert
• Written information on how to cancel, a contact postal address and details of any guarantees, warranties or after-sales services, if applicable
• Details of how and when to end a contract for the provision of a service, if there is no specified finish date or if the service lasts longer than a year, e.g. internet service providers etc
• This information should be sent to you by the time the goods are delivered, or before or soon after the time a service starts

A leaflet Safe Internet Shopping can be downloaded from our Consumer Publications & Information section.