Tomorrow is the last day consumers can purchase presents online and guarantee that they will arrive before Christmas.

Even though many online companies promise to deliver within the week, the legal delivery time is 30 days. If goods have not arrived within that timeframe, consumers can ask for their money back. This won't of course appease any parents frustrated by no delivery at Christmas time.

However, IMRG, the industry body for global e-retailing, believes that the Government is overreacting when it comes to online delivery, claiming consumers can expect safe delivery of items up to, and including, the 23 December 2006. It also believes that the predicted 80 million online shopping deliveries made in the run up to Christmas will go smoothly.

James Roper, chief executive at IMRG, said: “Although 10 years ago there might have been problems with online delivery, for example a Christmas tree arriving in January, this is no longer the case.

"The internet has become the most reliable way to shop and with real-time product availability becoming the norm at the leading e-retailers, consumers can tick off their shopping lists with certainty.”

The IDIS Trust Scheme, which was set up by the IMRG last year, also sets and monitors delivery standards for customers buying from IDIS-accredited merchants.

These include Amazon, Play.com and HMV.co.uk. And Tesco has also launched Tesco Direct, a website that offers customers non-food items that can be delivered straight to their door within hours of ordering online.

See also:
Court puts cork in online booze trade
Consumers still distrust online security