Shopping

Shopping

Shopping online is one of the most popular uses of the Internet and it is easy to see why:

• you can buy almost anything online
• you can find out about goods and services from the comfort of your own home
• you can compare things online.

Goods are often cheaper when you buy online, although you may have to pay a delivery charge.

All of the major retailers have online shopping websites and there are many specialist Internet retailers who supply goods by post.  

Lots of small independent businesses use the Internet to market their goods to the public from sites all round the UK and overseas.

How do I shop?

When you look at a shopping website, it's just like browsing through pages of a catalogue.

Goods can be found by either using the search or by visiting particular 'departments' in the website such as electrical, clothing, books, DVDs etc.

When you've found what you're looking for, just click to add it to your cart or basket and checkout (just like putting items in a shopping trolley or basket and going to a checkout to pay for them).

Is it safe?

In order to buy something online, you will need to provide details of a credit or debit card to the retailer. If you are going to do this, you need to know that you can trust the website with your information.

Paying for goods online

If the goods or services you are buying cost over £100, it is worth paying by credit card as you may be protected by the Consumer Credit Act. This states that the credit card company is equally liable for any defects. Therefore, should a problem arise, you can claim either from the trader or from the credit card company.

For this protection to apply, the contract price must be over £100. For example, if you buy a suit, the jacket of which costs £75 and the trousers cost £40, you would have protection. However, if you bought the items separately instead of as one suit, you would not get the same protection as neither of the items amount to £100.

Problems can arise when the company you are buying from is based outside the European Union. For example, a guarantee may not be valid in the UK, or the goods may not work in the UK. Although UK law may cover your contract, in practice it might be very difficult to get any money out of a company based abroad.

Information adapted from Consumer Direct website (http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/*).

PayPal

When you set up a PayPal account you will add your debit, credit card or bank account details to it. Many major websites such as eBay use PayPal as a payment method.

Benefits of PayPal:

• you'll be able to pay for your items instantly which means you'll get your item faster than if you pay with a cheque
• you do not share any financial details with your seller
• it's safe and free for buyers
• almost all purchases are fully protected whatever the amount (check terms and conditions before buying).

Do’s and Don’ts of shopping online

Do:

• look for https in the URL or a padlock in the task bar
• make sure you know what you are buying
• check that it's a UK company
• go direct to the site rather than following a link (particularly from an e-mail)
• ensure you have an adequate security on the PC
• read the sellers terms and conditions and frequently asked questions sections -contact the company if you have any questions
• keep records of any transactions.

Don't:

• give bank account details unless you have chosen to go to the site
• get intimidated, the Internet can be a convenient way of shopping if used correctly.

Useful websites

Buy with Confidence - www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk*

Shopsafe shopping directory -www.shopsafe.co.uk*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Consumer rights

If you buy goods on the internet, you still have the same rights as if you were shopping on the high street, in relation to faulty or poorly described goods. However, you also have additional rights under the UK's 'Distance Selling Regulations', some of which are listed under the headings below.  This is not an exhaustive list, more information can be found on the Consumer Direct* website.

Before placing an order

Information the seller must give you:

• their name and (if you have to pay in advance) their address
• the main characteristics of the goods or services
• price, including VAT and any other taxes and how long the offer or the price will remain valid
• cost of delivery (if there is one)
• how you can pay
• delivery arrangements (normally within 30 days unless you agree otherwise)
• that you have a right to cancel the order
• the minimum period you are tied into a contract for an ongoing service
• if they are using premium rate telephone, fax or internet charges
• that they will supply you with a substitute if what you have ordered isn't available.

Placing an order

The supplier is required to give you certain information in writing (e.g. by letter, fax or e-mail),out. The information should include most of the details outlined above plus:

• when and how you can cancel your order
• a geographical address where you can write to complain if there is a problem
• details of any guarantees and after-sales services
• how to cancel a continuing contract
• if the seller wants you to return the goods on cancellation.
• you must also be told whether it is you or the trader who pays for the return of the goods.

When your order arrives

You have the right to return or cancel your order for any reason. But there are some exceptions.

If you don't like the goods or have changed your mind, you can cancel the order. This is usually within a seven-day 'cooling-off' period. (Please note that the rules for financial services (including consumer credit) may allow a different withdrawal period).

Useful websites

Consumer Direct - www.consumerdirect.gov.uk* (information on this page is adapted from this website)

HCC Trading Standards - www.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandards*

Trading Standards - www.tradingstandards.gov.uk*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Shopping websites

Shopping websites enable you to buy carry out the Internet version of 'window shopping' comparing goods online in different stores before buying online or visiting the store to ask questions or make your choices.

There are some examples below, these sites carry no recommendation by Hampshire County Council.

If you want to find a product or store on-line try typing the name into Google*.

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Comparison websites

A feature of online shopping is that you can compare prices easily between retailers to make sure you get the best deal.  Comparison websites can be used for this.

It’s important to make sure that you are really comparing like with like, so check what the delivery charges are for an item, as they may well outweigh any apparent saving on the advertised price. A good price comparison website will help you with this.

Try this....

1. Type www.kelkoo.co.uk* into the address line of your browser and press Enter
2. Under the SHOP BY CATEGORY heading on the left, find and click on Televisions
3. Click on LCD TVs then under the  Screen size heading click on 14” - 19”
4. Scroll down the page to the first item in the list and click Compare Prices

Click on the Go button for each of the first three items and look at the details on the supplier’s website.

Other Price Comparison Websites

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Food shopping

Some people find it difficult to get to the supermarket or simply more convenient to use the Internet to choose their food and to arrange a home delivery.

Your shopping may be picked from the shelves of a nearby large store and will arrive fresh to your door in a pre-arranged time slot, some supermarkets offer a reward payment if their delivery is late.

Most of the supermarkets provide online shopping, for example Sainsburys*.

Find out if they deliver to you?

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* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.