Technological developments and the rise of e-commerce have given way to a new way of purchasing products and services. Today, consumers can enjoy a wide range of services and products from the comfort of their homes. However, this type of purchase brings a series of risks that people should be aware of to protect their rights.
This article details the benefits of online shopping, describes consumer rights, provides tips for protecting yourself, and explains the possible consequences of not taking preventive action.
Advantages of e-commerce and online shopping
Online commerce provides several benefits, which have strengthened its popularity worldwide. These are some of the main advantages:
- Having the possibility of buying from anywhere and at any time.
- People have access to a vast diversity of products and services. They can also opt for international customization services.
- It is much easier to compare prices between different suppliers through online sales platforms.
- It is widespread for online stores to offer discounts and promotions that do not exist in physical stores.
Consumer rights in online shopping
Consumers must know their rights as consumers to avoid being victims of fraud and enjoy a satisfactory online purchase.
a. Right to information
As a customer, you can view all the information about the product or service clearly and precisely. This includes the characteristics, the way of use, and the specifications.
On the other hand, the price must be visible and include taxes and shipping costs, if applicable. Likewise, any additional charges must be indicated when necessary.
b. Right to data protection
Your data must be protected; this is another of your rights.
Online stores must respect data protection laws and treat their customers’ data safely. You must give your explicit consent for your data to be used for commercial purposes or shared with third parties.
c. Right to payment security
Online transactions must be protected against fraud. To this end, online platforms must use security protocols such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to protect payment data.
Additionally, customers must have access to secure payment methods.
d. Right to return and refund
This is one of the most important rights for consumers.
In some countries, the buyer has 14 days to return the product and receive a full refund without explaining the reasons.
Conversely, sellers must offer free returns or inform customers about the costs associated with the return.
e. Right to receive what was purchased
The seller must respect the specified delivery times and guarantee that the product is in good condition upon delivery.
In addition, the product must be as indicated in the description.
Tips to protect your rights as a consumer
By following these recommendations, you will be able to enjoy your online purchases safely:
- Before buying, do some research on the seller’s profile. Check the opinions and reviews of other buyers to verify their shopping experience. Validate that the website is secure by looking for the padlock symbol in the URL bar.
- Please read the terms and conditions before purchasing. You should also understand the refund and return policy and review the shipping and delivery terms.
- Use secure payment methods like credit cards with fraud protection or platforms like PayPal.
- Keep records of your purchases, such as confirmation emails, receipts, and conversations with the seller. Capture the screen where the promotion, product description, and sales conditions are displayed.
- Know your rights and the consumer protection laws in your country. If the seller needs to comply with their responsibilities, you should also know how the claim process is carried out.
What happens if you do not act preventively?
Putting preventive measures into practice regularly can prevent you from experiencing unpleasant moments with your online purchases.
Fraud and loss of money
By not applying preventive measures, you can be a victim of fraud.
On the one hand, you may receive a different product than you expected, which may be of poor quality or a counterfeit. On the other hand, there is also the possibility that you may not receive anything at all.
Conversely, your personal information may be used for criminal activities or to charge your accounts without authorization.
Problems with returns and refunds
Fully understanding the return and refund policies is essential to avoid problems if you need to return the product.
You should be aware that some sellers charge high costs for returns to prevent all customers from returning products.
It may also happen that the seller refuses to make the refund, especially if the return steps are not followed.
Loss of rights
You may lose your rights due to needing to be well-informed.
For example, if you act within the specified return period, you may retain the opportunity to obtain the product you want or the corresponding refund.
If you know the warranty conditions, you may gain coverage if the product works properly.
Legal actions in case of problems
If any problem arises related to the online purchase, you can choose one of the following legal options:
File a formal complaint
Many nations have created consumer protection agencies to solve problems.
One of these entities is the consumer organization, which may be the first option to try to solve the situation.
The dispute can also be resolved through mediation or arbitration, avoiding going to court.
Taking legal action
Legal action may be the only alternative when the case is more serious.
In these cases, consulting with a lawyer specializing in consumer rights is highly recommended. If the amount of money is considerable, this professional may be the solution.
On the other hand, a class action lawsuit applies when many people have been victims of the same fraudulent practice, like in the recent Temu app lawsuit that ConsumerShield wrote about.
Conclusion
Buying online has many advantages, but this practice also involves a series of risks that consumers should be aware of. Buyers should be informed about their rights to protect themselves from criminal acts.
By implementing preventive and safe actions, you can enjoy all the benefits of electronic commerce.
