As part of its follow up to the internet shopping report published last June, the OFT worked with Local Authority Trading Standards Services (TSS) to conduct a web sweep to check whether the most popular shopping websites were complying with key requirements of the Distance Selling Regulations and Electronic Commerce Regulations.

The sweep, which was carried out in December 2007 by officers in 90 TSS across the UK, looked at 530 sites. The results suggest that most large UK-based online retailers are complying with key consumer protection requirements. However, it also identified room for improvement in some areas, including the provision of adequate contact details, and transparency in cancellation and refund rights:

·                     14 per cent of sites appeared not to comply with regulations by providing no physical address or providing only a PO Box number

·                     15 per cent of sites appeared not to comply with the requirement to give shoppers information on their right to cancel within seven working days

·                     31 per cent of the sites appeared not to comply with the requirement to refund the full cost of the goods; of these, 56 per cent excluded the cost of original delivery from refunds, and

·                     40 per cent of sites did not indicate that compulsory additional charges would be added when the price was first shown, but subsequently included such charges at checkout.

TIPS for shopping online

1. Make sure you’re getting a good deal:

·                Shop around by using price comparison sites and multiple search engines and use more than one

·                When comparing prices, check that the advertised price includes everything you have to pay, for example delivery charges. Check if the VAT is included and if it can be deducted.

2. Know who you are dealing with:

·                Check the trader’s details on their website, including their geographic and email addresses If a telephone number, try it out.

·                Don’t assume ‘UK’ means the seller is based in the UK.

·                Read all the trader reviews and help others by writing reviews when you make purchases.

3. Know your distance selling rights:

·                Check your cancellation rights before making a purchase; under the Distance Selling Regulations, you can get a full refund on many products if you cancel within 7 working days after the day of receipt.

·                If returning goods, you are entitled to a refund of the original delivery cost but check the terms and conditions to see who will cover the cost of returning them.

·                Traders are not allowed to deduct a restocking charge or administration fee for retuned goods.

·                If you wish to cancel, you must take reasonable care of the goods you are returning.

·                Check and keep all receipts, order confirmations and correspondence.

·                Goods should be delivered within 30 days after date of order, unless you agree a different delivery timeframe.

·                Complain to the trader if you have a problem shopping on line.

·                Contact Consumer Direct if the trader does not resolve your problem.

4  Protect your personal and financial information:

·                Use security software and keep it up to date.

·                Look for a padlock symbol or https in the website address before inputting personal details.