A significant proportion of the UK’s internet traders are not fully aware of their duties under the law, the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has said. Consumers also lack understanding of their rights when buying online. Using data compiled by the Office for National Statistics, the TSI found that many internet shoppers do not know how to cancel an order, how to claim a refund or how to make sure that the website from which they are buying fulfils all its legal obligations. Traders, too, were often unsure about those obligations. Ron Gainsford, the chief executive of the TSI, said: “The findings demonstrate the urgent need to improve awareness among shoppers and sellers, and to highlight the danger signs.” The Office of Fair Trading (OFT), meanwhile, recently published guidance for firms selling online. The Distance Selling Regulations mean that online shoppers have the right to a seven-day period in which they can change their minds about their purchase. Online traders must provide their contact details, an explanation of all costs and information about cancelling an order. Date:13 November 2007
Content by: Made Simple Group
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