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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Internet shopping assistance
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Internet shopping advice
Many tips on buying on the internet are the same as for buying from a shop, such as:
- Shop around. That great deal might well be on offer somewhere else - and cheaper.
- Use retailers and services you know about - or ones that have been personally recommended to you.
- A company might have a great website, but that doesn't mean it's law-abiding.
- Make sure you know the trader's full address - especially if the company is based outside the UK. The internet makes buying from abroad easy so it’s important you know your rights.
- Don't assume an internet company is based in the UK just because its web address has 'uk' in it - check out the physical address and phone number. Whois.net offer free website owner checks.
- Take into account the shipping, postage and packing costs. Weigh them up against the parking and travelling costs you would have to pay if you went to the high street.
- Although shopping from overseas websites is relatively safe it may be difficult to enforce your contract if things go wrong. If the item or service is over £100 then consider paying by credit card.
- Look for websites that have a secure way of paying (known as an encryption facility) - these show a padlock at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in the payment details.
- Check whether the company has a privacy statement that tells you what it will do with your personal information.
Look for firms that are part of an independent approval scheme. These are companies that have signed up to particular standards. These include measures to:
- Protect your privacy.
- Ensure your payments are secure.
- Let you know what you've agreed to.
- Tell you how to cancel orders.
- Deliver goods or services within agreed timescales.
- Protect children.
- Sort out complaints - regardless of where you live.
Howard the shopping assistant
If you decide to shop online but would like more information about the website you wish to use, you can ask Howard the shopping assistant.
'Howard' was created by the Trading Standards Institute to give consumers confidence when making purchases online. Howard cannot guarantee that a website is trustworthy or offer a guarantee of service or quality, but it will provide you with information that will help you make an informed decision in advance of making a purchase.
How to record a complaint against a trader
If you require to speak with an adviser for consumer advice, or to make a complaint about a trader:
- contact our partners, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
- If Consumer Direct advice does not resolve your complaint, they will refer it on to us for further investigation. Please note that, depending on the circumstances, it may take up to 10 working days before we can contact you.
- For further consumer advice please visit the Directgov website.
Alternatively, you can complete the following form and submit direct to Trading Standards:
Consumer Complaint Reporting Form (PDF - 604kb)
Contact us
- email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- call in or write to us at:
- Renfrewshire Council
Environmental Services
Trading Standards
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR
