Online bargains Checklist

Checklist

• Be organised

  Order gifts online as early as possible to ensure they're delivered in time

• Where to shop

  Choose a familiar high-street store or go to www.shopsafe.co.uk – this website lists only stores that have clear delivery prices and returns policies, and offer secure credit card transactions

• Returning faulty goods

  Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, you can reject a wrong order or items that are faulty. Ask the seller to pick the products up for nothing or to refund you the cost of postage

• Unwanted goods

  Under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000, you can cancel at any time from when you place an order online up to 7 working days from the day after you get the goods

  Outside the cooling-off period? Check the terms and conditions, as some companies give you longer. The terms and conditions should also say who pays for postage – if not the seller pays

• Exempt items

  Some unwanted items can't be returned, unless the order’s wrong or the goods are faulty. This includes unwrapped CDs, DVDs and video games, and perishables such as flowers or food

• Extra security

  Many online retailers require you to register with a service called 'Verified by Visa' or 'Verified by MasterCard'. This aims to protect your card from unauthorised use

• Contacts

  Google Product Search: www.google.co.uk/products

  Kelkoo: www.kelkoo.co.uk

  Office of Fair Trading: 0845 722 4499 www.oft.gov.uk

  PriceRunner: www.pricerunner.co.uk