Computeractive's consumer rights campaign gathers strength

Computeractive’s Fair and Square campaign to improve retailers’ handling and understanding of consumers’ rights when buying online is gathering momentum.

So far more than 3,700 people have emailed the Government demanding that their legal rights when shopping online are enforced. Apple has already removed 'transportation charges' that breached consumer law from the terms and conditions of its UK online store.

Leading consumer rights lawyer Simon Halberstam, partner in law firm Sprecher Grier Halberstam LLP, has suggested that it be compulsory for retailers to train their staff in retail law, and a regime headed by the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (Berr) and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) introduced.

He said our mystery shopper exercise, along with the number of complaints the magazine receives about retailers either ignoring or muddled about consumer rights, shows something needs to be done.

“Online retailers have to comply with laws such as the Distance Selling Regulations (DSR) and Sale of Goods Act," said Halberstam.

“I think the OFT has produced clear guidelines, especially regarding the DSR for retailers, but the problem is most businesses do not bother to read them."

We have made it easy for people to send an email voicing their protest about retailers using our specially designed website and email form. All you have to do is type in your name and email address and push the online button to send the email to Gareth Thomas MP, under secretary of state for Trade and Consumer Affairs at Berr.