TOO many Worcestershire businesses selling goods and services over the internet are ignoring laws designed to protect consumers.
Internet laws introduced just over a year ago safeguard such things as the right to return goods or cancel an order within seven working days of delivery.
But according to a survey conducted by Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standards Service, more than one third of companies failed to tell consumers they had this right.
More worringly, when goods were returned, more than a quarter failed to provide a refund within the prescribed 30-day period.
"Research suggests 40 per cent of consumers would shop on-line more often if they could return goods more easily," said Clive Graham, head of Worcestershire Trading Standards.
"It's therefore in the interest of businesses to ensure they advise consumers of their rights."
He warned businesses they needed to give accurate descriptions of products and accurate prices.
"Although the internet is a relatively new means of trading, businesses need to ensure pricing and description of products are correct as offences can still be committed under consumer protection legislation," said Mr Graham.
The survey was carried out by the Crossing the Boundaries group, which comprises the Trading Standards Services of five county councils, including Worcestershire.
It found that many businesses were still unaware of consumer cancellation rights, with only six per cent mentioning them on their site, and almost a third of companies failing to provide refunds within the specified 30 day period.
Almost two thirds of companies delivered their goods within the time scale they had set, but only one third could tell customers when exactly they would receive their goods.
Trading Standards will now write to every company surveyed to advise them of their performance and warn those who ignore this advice that they could face legal action.
The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 came into force on October 31, 2000.
They ensure consumers receive basic contact information, written confirmation of their order, have a cooling-off period of seven working days in which to cancel and that goods are delivered within 30 days unless otherwise agreed.
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