As Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2) approach, UK consumers are urged to brush up on their legal rights before diving into the online sales frenzy. DAS Law, a leading UK legal service provider, is offering expert advice to ensure shoppers make smarter decisions and avoid costly pitfalls during the busiest shopping weekend of the year.
Chloe Jones, Legal Advisor at DAS Law, has outlined several key consumer rights every online shopper should know, particularly as many retailers ramp up their discounting efforts. One major right is the 14-day return window for online purchases, which starts from the delivery date, not the purchase date. Consumers can return an item for any reason, though they may have to cover the cost of postage for the return, depending on the retailer’s terms and conditions.
However, some shoppers may wonder whether they can return an item bought before the sales if it’s now offered at a lower price. Jones explains that the law does not guarantee a refund or exchange if a product’s price drops after purchase, but some retailers may offer a goodwill return or price adjustment depending on their individual policies.
When shopping from websites outside the UK, Jones recommends using a credit card as the most secure method of payment. This offers consumers protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for purchases between £100 and £30,000, allowing them to recover funds in cases of fraud or faulty goods. For purchases under £100, debit cards may offer some protection through the chargeback scheme, though consumers should verify this with their card issuer.
Consumers should also be cautious when making purchases from unfamiliar retailers, especially when deals seem too good to be true. Subscription traps, where consumers are unknowingly signed up for continuous payments after agreeing to “free trials,” are a growing concern. Jones advises that these practices are under scrutiny by regulators, and affected consumers can cancel Continuous Payment Authorities (CPAs) with their card issuers to seek refunds on any payments made after cancellation.
Another important point is the retailer’s responsibility for delivery damages. According to the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a retailer arranges the delivery, they are responsible for any damage or loss incurred during transit. The risk passes to the consumer only when the goods are received by them or someone they appoint, such as a neighbour.
Jones also offers guidance on gym memberships and similar services, where customers may sign contracts for services that begin immediately. In these cases, while consumers still have the right to cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period, they will have to pay for any services already used.
With so many legal intricacies to navigate, Jones advises consumers to carefully read the terms and conditions of every deal and take the time to understand their rights. By following these simple legal tips, consumers can protect themselves from scams and enjoy a safer shopping experience this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
