Consumer contract regulations 14 days: understanding your rights as a consumer
As a consumer, it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to purchasing goods and services online or in-store. The Consumer Contracts Regulations, introduced in 2013, provide protection for consumers in the UK and ensure that they are treated fairly by retailers and service providers.
One of the key aspects of the Consumer Contracts Regulations is the 14-day cooling-off period. This means that if you purchase goods or services online, over the phone, or by mail order, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving the goods or agreeing to the service without any penalty. This cooling-off period also applies to off-premises contracts, such as home visits by salespeople.
During the cooling-off period, you have the right to examine the goods as you would in a shop and decide whether or not you want to keep them. If you decide to cancel your order, you are entitled to a full refund including any delivery charges you paid when you made the purchase. However, if you have used the goods beyond what is necessary to examine them, the retailer may deduct an amount from the refund to reflect any reduction in the value of the goods.
If you cancel an off-premises contract, the retailer must collect the goods from you, or you must return them at your own cost within 14 days of cancelling the contract. If you fail to return the goods within this time, the retailer may charge you for the direct cost of collecting the goods.
There are some exceptions to the cooling-off period, including:
– Personalized or custom-made goods that cannot be resold
– Digital content that is not supplied on a tangible medium, such as music downloads or streaming services
– Perishable goods, such as food or flowers
– Services that have already begun with your agreement, such as a plumber starting work on your home before the end of the cooling-off period
It’s important to note that the cooling-off period only applies to contracts entered into after June 13, 2014, and does not apply to goods or services purchased in-store.
As a consumer, it’s important to be aware of your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. If you are unhappy with a purchase and want to cancel your order, make sure you do so within the 14-day cooling-off period. If you are unsure about your rights or need further advice, you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or the Consumer Rights Advice helpline.