Caveat Emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to mean, “let the buyer beware”. At Master Spas we believe that consumer rights should be placed before any commercial interest and that consumers should also be well aware of the rights given to them through the ever developing European legal framework.
Bought anything off the Internet?
Did you know that if you buy a product exclusively from the Internet, then you are awarded with more rights than an ordinary high street shopper? This covers most of which you have bought without going into a shop, showroom or at a show e.g. a purchase on a website. The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 provides that the consumer:
- should be given clear accurate information about the goods before they buy
- must be written confirmation once they have made a purchase
- must be given a cooling off period of 7 working days.
These regulations apply whenever you purchase an item without making any face-to-face contact with the supplier. The aim of having a cooling off period is to allow you the opportunity to examine the goods that the retailer is offering, in the same way you would have done had you visited a shop. If you do not like your product for any reason all you have to do is give notice of cancellation to the seller within the 7 days from receipt of the goods. The effect of this ends your contract for the supply of goods. The supplier must then return any funds paid within 30 days of the cancellation.
Read the small print – you might uncover a gem!
If the website or the written contract which you receive confirming the order fail to mention the Distance Selling Regulations your rights are further extended. As a consumer you will be able to reject the goods for up to 3 months from the date of purchase… so that’s 90 days at your leisure before the goods can be rejected. Sometimes a lack of small print goes a long way!
What about your spa?
Spas are no different to any other item which you may purchase on the Internet. If you buy a spa the Distance Selling Rules still apply and you will be entitled to that minimum 7 day cooling off period and if your retailer fails to mention the time limit, you have up to three months. Even though your spa purchase maybe expensive, your rights are still the same. So be confident in shopping on the Internet… the law is on your side.
Just remember… consumer rights are now being rapidly expanded to help you the customer and that your local Trading Standards will always be happy to give you further advice.
This information has been produced for the benefit of the consumer to ensure that retailers always provide their customers with their statutory rights. This article is for information purposes only and should not be used as a source of law or guidance upon which to base a claim. Should you wish to make a claim against a retailer we suggest that you contact your local Trading Standards Office and read the guide which is available free of charge at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/pdf1/bus_guide.pdf |
