The DSRs are designed to protect consumers who purchase goods and services without face to face contact with the supplier. Home shopping is a growing market worth over £11 billion in the UK. In 2003, 48 per cent of UK households had access to the internet, over 50 per cent of adults buying goods and services online ranging from computers, to DVDs to groceries. Those over 60s are particularly keen internet shoppers making up 12 per cent of internet users in the UK.
The DSRs give extra protection to consumers who shop using methods such as mail order, the internet, telephone or cable television. Most businesses who regularly sell by such means must comply with the DSRs. The OFT's campaign is designed to help businesses ensure that they comply with the regulations.
Under the regulations businesses must give consumers:
* clear information about the goods or services offered before they buy
* written confirmation of the purchase and delivery details
* a seven working day cooling-off period in which the order can be cancelled and a refund claimed.
Penny Boys, OFT Executive Director, said: 'The Distance Selling Regulations are designed to give consumers the confidence to shop from home. Businesses with knowledge of the regulations will be in a stronger position to give consumers good service and win their trust.'
As part of its campaign the OFT has produced a short leaflet informing businesses affected by the DSRs of their legal responsibilities. The leaflet is free and is available from OFT, PO Box 366, Hayes, UB3 1XB 0870 60 60 321 [email protected].
