Shop safely online Your rights

Same rights

You have a seven- day cooling-off period

If you buy online from a UK or EU-based company you have the same rights as if you'd bought from a shop. Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described when sold.

If a retailer breaches any of these terms you have a right to reject the goods within a reasonable time and get a full refund. Or you can demand that the retailer gives you a refund, repair or replacement. If you send goods back for anything that is the fault of the supplier you should not have to pay the postage.

Cooling off period

If you change your mind about the goods, or they don't arrive on time, the Distance Selling Regulations (DSR) give you a cooling-off period. This starts from the moment you place the order and ends 7 working days from the day after you receive the goods.

During this period you can cancel without having to give a reason. The DSRs don't apply to items bought from foreign websites or to items such as unsealed CDs/DVDs.

For more on your rights when shopping online see our report about online and mail order shopping.