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YOUR RIGHTS WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE

WHEN buying goods from websites, you have strong consumer protection rights if you buy from an online store which is based in the EU. These rights still apply if buying in Britain — though that may change as Brexit progresses. However, if buying from a website which is based outside the EU, such as in China or the US, you don’t have any statutory rights if something goes wrong.

There is a cooling-off period which gives online shoppers the right to cancel an order or contract within 14 days.

Should you have bought a product online, the cooling-off period ends 14 days after you receive it.

You must also return the product within 14 days of the day you cancelled. You may have to pay for the cost of returning the product if you cancel the order because you changed your mind. However, you don’t have to pay for the cost of returning the product if it is faulty.

Should you have bought a service online (such as a TV or broadband package), the cooling off period ends 14 days after your sign up to the contract. Some services — such as hotel bookings, airline tickets and concert tickets — are not covered by the 14-day cooling-off period.

Should you find that an item you bought online is faulty shortly after you receive it, you’re entitled to a repair, refund or replacement — but only as long as you bought from an EU-based website. Should you have to return the item because it is faulty, the seller has to pay for any return shipping costs.

“Any fault that becomes apparent within six months of purchase is assumed to have been there at the time of delivery,” said Martina Nee of ECC Ireland.

You don’t have the same rights to a refund or repair (or other recourse) if you buy online from a private seller as you do when you buy from a business.

A private seller includes a consumer selling something on an online auction site.