Partner Article

OFT enforces delivery rules for online businesses

Internet businesses have been reprimanded by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) after people living in remote areas complained of hidden delivery charges.

The Government body heard from half a million people who live in hard-to-reach parts of the UK that they were unhappy with surprise costs which were not made clear when buying online.

Online consumers living in isolated communities complained that delivery prices were often sprung upon them at the last minute after free shipping had been promised.

Business have been advised that standards must comply with laws that require charges to be displayed early in the purchasing process, and that customers are not misled by options for “Free UK Delivery”, if some areas are not included.

OFT has launched an online resource to implement legal obligations that some companies have been skirting.

Firms have been reminded they cannot refuse to deliver to remote locations, except in cases where it would incur additional charges because of distance.

Kyla Brand, OFT Director in Scotland, said:“Many of the half a million people living in remote areas feel they get a raw deal on delivery when shopping online.

“We are therefore urging online businesses to use our tools to ensure these consumers receive a good level of service that meets the requirements of the law.”

Guidance for online retailers can be used to comply with existing regulations that affect selling goods and services over the internet, phone, mail order, email, television and SMS.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .