Online shopping and social buying are the same

 

Whether you are purchasing a product from an online shopping website or via social media platforms, you are still buying from the Web. This means that your usual e-commerce rights are applicable.

This has been confirmed by Jan Carton, Consumer Legal Lead at Citizens Advice. He explains that when you shop from the Internet, there is a 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ on most purchases. This begins the day after you receive your order. As such, during this time-frame, you can get a refund for the item if you are dissatisfied with it, even if there is nothing technically wrong with it.  A lot of sellers extend this period. So make sure to check the terms and conditions before completing a purchase. It should be noted that this ‘cooling-off’ period is also applicable if you are buying from Facebook or Instagram.

Nonetheless, there are exceptions on items that are bespoke or perishable and for sealed products such as face masks. This is because opening these could compromise their safety. Additionally, the rules might be different if you are purchasing from an individual instead of a company/brand.

If you have acquired something from an online marketplace that is outside of the UK, your rights will be based on the country that you are buying from.


Check the retailer’s terms and conditions © Royalty-free image

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