Want to maximize your savings this Black Friday/Cyber Monday - Know your consumer rights before you click

Attention all shoppers, the countdown to the ultimate sales event of the year has officially begun! With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, shoppers all over the world are getting ready to score some amazing deals. With a plethora of online offers and discounts to choose from, it's no wonder that millions of shoppers are eagerly waiting to ‘click and buy’.

But while you're busy securing the best online deals, it's crucial to know your rights as a consumer. Are you shopping securely? Can you get a refund or exchange an item if it's cheaper before the sale? Should you be worried about customs fees on overseas purchases? And what in the world is a 'subscription trap' and how can you avoid it?

If you need a refresher don't fret - Chloe Jones at DAS Law explains what every online shopper needs to know to shop smart this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

What rights do I have when shopping online?

You have 14 days to return the item if you change your mind – even if there is nothing wrong with the item – starting from the date of delivery, not the date of purchase. Whilst you are entitled to receive a refund for the item and standard delivery charges you may be liable for the costs of sending the item back, so again check the terms and conditions.

Do I have any legal rights to return something if I have changed my mind?

If you buy an item in a shop, some stores will offer a returns policy within a specific period, but this is not obligatory if there is nothing wrong with the item. It is always advisable to check each store’s returns policy before buying – no matter how good a deal it may be at the time.

What if an item I bought before the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales is now on offer at a cheaper price?

If the store’s return policy allows a refund then it may be possible to refund the previous purchase and buy the same item at a discounted price. The law does not automatically entitle you to do this; however, it is worth checking the store’s return policy for discounted items as they generally offer more rights than the law guarantees.

If I am buying products from a website outside of the UK, what is the most secure way to pay?

The most secure method of paying for goods online is to use a credit card. If there is a fault, or you are a victim of fraud, on purchases between £100 and £30,000, you have protection under s75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This means that you may be able to recover the monies from the credit card company rather than pursuing the retailer. For transactions that are below £100 or transactions done via debit card, you may be able to claim under the chargeback scheme. Most debit and credit cards are covered under this scheme but it’s best to check with the card provider before making any purchases.

PayPal or a similar online payment provider is another option you may want to consider as they offer additional protection to its users for purchases online. However, this once again is subject to terms and conditions and therefore recommended you check these before making any purchases.


Can a company based in the UK sue me if I write negative reviews online about their service?

As long as your review is factually correct or is simply an expression of your honestly held opinion, then it is extremely unlikely to be considered defamatory and a company will probably not have a legal basis to pursue a claim against you.

Who is responsible if I receive my order damaged by the delivery?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if the retailer arranged the delivery, then the retailer will be responsible for any issue that arises during the delivery process until the customer receives the goods or anyone appointed by the customer for example, the neighbour then the risk will be passed from the retailer to the consumer.

The situation will be different if the courier is appointed by the customer directly, then the courier will be responsible and the customer can sue him directly.

The standard time limit for delivery is 30 days and should be without undue delay unless the retailer and the customer agree otherwise.

On Black Friday customers might enter into a contract without deep consideration because of the appealing price the trader might offer, but what are the customer rights for cancellation if it’s for a service started immediately such as Gym membership?

Unfortunately, the customer must pay for the service that has been used during the 14-day cooling period, but they still have the right to cancel the contract.

What can a consumer do if they have been caught by a ‘subscription trap’?

A subscription trap is when a consumer is misled into signing up for a subscription for goods or services. This is commonly done by the retailer promising a free trial, a reduced rate trial or sample goods where the consumer only has to pay for postage and packaging using a credit or debit card.

’Subscription traps’ have been the subject of regulatory focus for several years and government action on them is awaited.

Subscription traps generally involve a continuous payment authority (CPA) in favour of the retailer. Consumers have the right to cancel CPAs with their card issuers and to obtain a refund in respect of any payments taken after such cancellation. But many factors need to be taken into account for the customer to be able to claim a refund such as, whether the trader is in breach of its obligations; whether the payment terms could be unfair and so non-binding on the consumer; whether the trader, in failing to make it clear that a subscription was being entered into, committing a misleading action; Whether the consumer may be able to argue that the obligation to make payment was not incorporated into their contract with the trader and, as such, is unenforceable. Etc.

It may also be possible to make a claim against the credit card company in respect of the pre-cancellation payments. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes the credit card company jointly and severally liable with the trader for a misrepresentation or breach of contract.