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getting
started
Whether you are new
to the internet or unsure of your rights as an online consumer, at the shopping
plaza, we want to ensure that your shopping experiences on the internet
are as trouble free as possible, and, that if things do go wrong then you
know your rights.
The internet is a valuable purchasing option, offering many advantages over
a traditional city centre shopping trip. You can, for example:
- shop at a time
that suits you because stores never close (when was the last time that
you ordered flowers at four in the morning you romantic fool!).
- You also get
a choice that is unrivalled in any city as you can shop nationally (and
even internationally if you wish).
- Comparing prices
is quick and easy too, helping you to get what you want for less.
All this plus no queues,
no rude shoppers, no indignant sales assistants, or no three wheeled trolleys
playing havoc with your shins!
So what's the problem then? Well there isn't one, but, you should take sensible
precautions (just as you would in the highstreet or if you were shopping
by mail order).
- When purchasing
anything on the net, only use secure pages (denoted by a yellow padlock
symbol on the bottom right of your browser) when entering any credit/
debit card details. If the supplier does not offer secure pages then
don't use them. Buy from someone who does.
- If things are
secure then try and pay by credit card where possible as this could
give you better protection (if things do go wrong then the credit card
company may be held jointly liable. Ask your card provider for details
of their internet security policy).
- NEVER
disclose your credit card PIN number. There should be no reason for
any site to request this information and it is not needed to secure
funds for a legitimate transaction. If you are asked for your card PIN
number then report the site to the relevant authorities (N.B. - your
pin number is a four digit number you would use to obtain money from
a 'cash point machine' or at 'chip & pin' stores to pay for goods.
It is NOT the same as your credit card 'security number'
which is a three digit number printed on the signature strip, after
your card number, on the reverse of your card. This number can,
and is often, asked for by mail order and internet companies as a further
safe guard against fraudulent transactions) .
- Always read both
the company 'terms and conditions', and, 'refund & returns' policy
BEFORE ordering (if these are lengthy, as they sometimes are, it may
be easier to print them and read from the paper copy. This will also
serve as a record of your rights if things go wrong).
- Keep copies of
all other relevant info. (i.e. order forms, confirmation emails if any,
payment confirmation pages etc.). These can usually be printed directly
from your browser whilst online if you are unsure of how to retrieve
them. See your browser help section for details if you are unsure.
- Check that there
are no hidden extras and that the price you are happy to pay is the
final price. Does it include VAT and delivery (if buying from outside
the UK does the item incur any customs and excise duty and are you aware
of what exchange rate the site will use if buying in a different currency?
All these details should be easily accessible on the site.)?
Your
Rights Explained
When buying from
a UK based business over the internet, your statutory rights are exactly
the same as when you buy from a shop or by mail. There are three main
rights as follows:
- what you buy must
be fit for the purpose of use as described by the site.
- goods should be
of satisfactory quality
- goods are received
as described (whether the description is on the web site or the goods
packaging itself).
If ANY of the above
requirements have not been met then you have the right to choose either
a full refund, a replacement or a repair. Any services must be carried
out within a reasonable time, with reasonable skill and care, and at a
reasonable charge if these were not previously agreed. If a quotation
or price is agreed then it is legally binding. Shopping on the internet
can also give you additional rights although these do not apply to every
product or service (see more information below):
- credit/debit
card fraud protection
- Seven working
day "cooling off" period allowing you to cancel, without reason,
an order, and receive a full refund
- A full refund
if goods have not been delivered within 30 days of placing the order
or otherwise by an agreed date
- information was
offered that was clear about the goods or services before they were
purchased
- This information
confirmed in writing after you have made the purchase
Other
things you should know
Privacy Statements
Any reputable site will have a privacy statement that will tell you what
the company intends to do with any of your details that they may hold.
Many sites (ours included) make a point of not passing on your details.
By law you have the option of not allowing a company to share your details
with other companies. This option will usually come in the form of a tick
box on a personal details form so look out for it!
For the record we do not collect ANY personal information about our visitors
and will only receive details if a visitor wants to email us. Our privacy
policy is located on the 'About Us' page. Click here
if you want to view it now.
More information
about your rights and any exemptions can be found at the following links
Trading
Standards Office
Office
of Fair Trading
Customs and Excise
For other important information regarding the use of this
site please see click here or
see the links at the bottom of the page.
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