The European Consumer Centre Ireland (ECC) has today released a statement today (11 December) to warn online Christmas shoppers to take time to ask about returns policy when buying last minute Christmas gifts.
It highlighted that on a recent survey conducted by ECC Ireland showed that some of the main problems experienced by Irish consumers who either buy online or on a cross-border shopping trip are issues with returns, exchanges and refunds.
“When the Christmas shopping rush is in full swing it can be easy to forget to check returns policies.” Martina Nee, press and communications officer for ECC Ireland, said.
Nee noted that that consumers need to remember that for online purchases they have the right to cancel an order, for any reason, within a cooling off period of 14 calendar days (there are exceptions).
Faulty Products
Other common problems include the product not being as described, faulty products and securing repairs/replacements.
Nee added: “However, for purchases made on the high street consumers are not automatically entitled to a refund or exchange simply because they changed their minds; the returns policy is up to the trader, as long as it doesn’t adversely affect statutory consumer rights (e.g. your rights when the good is faulty), but some shops may offer an exchange or refund as a gesture of goodwill and even have extended Christmas returns policies.”
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
