Consumers get more protection when shopping online

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 - 15:13 by Graham Miller

A new array of laws are being rolled out in the UK, to make sure that consumers are afforded a higher degree of protection when carrying out safe shopping online, according to the Guardian.

One of the most significant changes enacted under the new legislation is that shoppers will now have up to 14 days to return an unwanted or faulty item, which is twice as long as is currently allowed.

Another benefit is that any customer support line offered by retailers to help consumers who have a query or complaint will not be charged at a premium rate, as is currently the case. Instead, a standard rate line must be set up by all firms, whether or not they have a presence on the high street.

The legislation applies across the EU, so should help to protect people, even if they are buying goods from an e-commerce site which is not based in their home nation.

Known as the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD), many people will welcome its arrival because it has been specifically built with online shopping in mind.

For example, retailers will no longer be permitted to pre-tick and check boxes which are included when a customer carries out a transaction. That means you will actively have to opt-in for additional services, such as being signed up for a mailing list.

This should also limit the possibility of customers being charged for extras that they do not necessarily need, as well as reducing the complexity of the checkout process.

Government minister, Jenny Willott, said that consumers were being empowered under the new legislation, so would now be able to shop online and compare prices with confidence, improving competition in the retail sector. And it is sensible for every shopper to do some research into their rights before carrying out safe shopping online.