New to the net? Then read on...

Whether you are new to the internet or unsure of your rights as an online consumer, at shopping city uk, 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, and, can often be the best place to buy goods and services from as it offers 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 4:00 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 and no three wheeled trolleys playing havoc with your shins either!

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 no. 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 PIN no. then report the site to the relevant authorities.
  
• 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

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