New distance selling rules from 31 October bring seven day cancellation rights

According to a Trading Standards press release, consumers do not trust the internet enough to complete transactions.

The Trading Standards Institute is therefore attempting to develop e-commerce by protecting consumers through the new Distance Selling regulations.

The new laws, which come into force on 31 October, stipulate minimum information that must be given on any e-commerce site and give consumers seven day cancellation rights. The Trading Standards Institute has launched a free booklet - titled "Shopping on the internet - better safe than sorry!" - to answer consumer concerns and advise on best practice.

So if you are buying software or selling through your own site, be aware of the new rules.

Details of where to get the booklet are here

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The Editor