Internet consumers have new rights

1:46pm Tuesday 27th February 2001

CUSTOMER'S have new rights to return goods bought over the telephone, internet or by mail order.

Bishop's Stortford-based solicitors Nockolds is advising customers that goods can now be returned even if nothing is wrong with them. They must be returned within seven days of delivery and have been purchased through "distance" means.

Lynn Cowley, a partner at Nockolds, said: "There are exceptions to the rule, however. There is no right to cancel a bet after it is placed or to return goods that have been specially made for you. Not surprisingly, software that is unsealed or newspapers that you could otherwise read and return for a refund are also excluded."

When the items are defective, the customer is protected by the Sale of Goods Act 1979, no matter what the contract says. They may then be entitled to a refund or to have the goods repaired.