Overview

The Distance Selling Regulations have been in force for almost 10 years now, but some thorny issues keep coming up. And whether or not retailers are required to refund delivery charges appears to be one of them, following an investigation carried out by the BBC.
The answer is quite simple: Yes, they do.

The Regulations apply when a consumer purchases a product from a retailer at a distance, for example over the internet, the telephone, or by mail order. In most cases (there are of course some exceptions) they are given a cooling off period of seven days from the day after the date they receive the product. This seven day period may also be extended if the retailer hasn't provided all the mandatory information required by the regulations by this time.

If the consumer cancels the contract within that seven days, they are entitled to a refund of all money that they have paid in relation to that contract. This includes anything paid for postage and packing.

To read this article in full click ‘View Briefing’