Distance buying - Including mail order, online (internet) and telephone

I want to order some flat-pack kitchen units from a company in Sweden who have a website which displays the units I like. They will also install the units for me as part of the deal. I phoned them to discuss it but they are insisting on full payment up front. I am a little wary about this because if the quality is not what I expect or their workmanship is poor I may have difficulty getting a refund.

Answer to poor workmanship question

Some while ago I received a first aid kit through the post with a bill for £23.50. I did not order it and don't want it. 4 weeks later I received another bill demanding payment within 10 days and asking for a further £3.50 to cover additional administration costs. The first aid kit appears to have come from Holland. What can I do?

Answer to first aid kit question

I ordered some expensive wallpaper by phone from a supplier in the Republic of Ireland about 12 weeks ago and paid using my credit card. The cost was £350 and I was told that delivery would be 2/3 weeks. I have still not received it and I now want a refund.

Answer to wallpaper refund question

I bought a DVD player from a supplier in France which only lasted a few days before it went wrong. I contacted the supplier who doesn't seem interested in helping with the cost of the repair.

Answer to repair cost question

I bought a classic car recently from a web site address that described the car as "excellent condition throughout". I've only had it a week and the engine has blown up and it will cost £900 to repair. The seller says he is a private individual and cannot help - it was purchased "as seen". What can I do?

Answer to purchased "as seen" question

Since I have started using the internet I have been receiving increasing numbers of emails advertising financial packages, get rich schemes and some quite offensive products. I am getting fed up with these and they seem to be getting worse. Can I stop them and is somebody deliberately targeting me?

Answer to unwanted emails question

I was recently made redundant and am looking for work that I can do at home. I have access to my Sister's computer so want to surf the net to find Homeworking schemes. Is there anything that I should be wary of?

Answer to homeworking scheme question

I have decided to buy some goods from the Internet. I have never done it before and am very nervous, especially about using my credit card. Is there anything that I should be aware of?

Answer to internet question

I recently bought some hardwood garden furniture out of a catalogue from a company that I thought was reputable. When the furniture was delivered I discovered that the wood was softwood and stained. An expert has looked at it and confirmed my suspicions. What are my rights?

Answer to garden furniture question

I ordered some cigarettes from a web site that seemed to be really cheap. When I checked my credit card statement later the amount charged was more than I thought.

Answer to cigarette order question

I have ordered some wine from a company advertising on the Internet. I have to pay £120 up front before they will send the wine to me, and I'm a bit worried as I don't have the company's actual address, only their website. I have emailed them, asking for the full details but they won't supply it to me. Don't I have a right to know the company details when buying like this?

Answer to company address question

Since buying goods on the net I have noticed that I am receiving a lot of emails trying to sell me things, financial packages and offering various homeworking schemes, competitions etc. I'm getting fed up with this can I do anything?

Answer to spam emails question

The Frequently Asked Questions were developed by the Crossing the Boundaries partnership (CtB) of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

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