With the frenetic Christmas shopping rush already upon us, many are letting the internet take the strain this year by doing our Christmas shopping online.
It's a strategy supported by South Ayrshire Council which is doing its bit to prevent a nightmare before Christmas by keeping shoppers safe online when making their Yuletide purchases.
And top of the list is a suggestion to make an early start, to make sure presents are delivered in time for Christmas.
In Christmas past, Council Trading Standards advisors received dozens of complaints about Christmas presents being delayed – or even failing to turn up – and it's a festive story the Council wants to help avoid in Christmas future.
Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards commented: "Following some simple shopping steps this year can make all the difference between having a Christmas turkey – or whooping it up with a festive feather in your cap!"
"The best way to avoid disappointment is to do your shopping early. The law says that, unless otherwise agreed, online retailers have 30 days to deliver your goods - but if you need them to arrive before Christmas then you must make sure this is guaranteed by the retailer."
Consumers have additional rights when shopping online. In most cases you can change your mind and cancel your order for up to seven working days after delivery, so it's important to check your order as soon as it arrives. Don't assume it is okay before wrapping it and putting it under the tree.
If you decide to cancel, online retailers are obliged to refund the full cost, plus the original delivery charge, although you may have to pay the cost of returning the item.
Councillor Convery continued: "Online shopping has become more and more popular and is a great way to beat the traditional shopping rush.
"However, people need to be confident they are dealing with genuine websites, that the items they order are genuine and they will arrive on time.
"We're making our Christmas presence felt this year by putting together a range of tips and advice to help consumers stay safe online."
The Council's top tips include:
- Shopping around for deals by using price comparison sites and multiple search engines. When comparing prices, check the advertised price includes everything you have to pay, including and tax and delivery charges
- Checking the trader's details and check there is a geographic and email address, as required by law.
- Using sites that are members of the Internet Shopping Is Safe (ISIS) trustmark scheme.
- Reading the terms and conditions and making sure you fully understand the payment and delivery details.
Other suggestions include:
- Keeping a record of all your online transactions including receipts, order confirmations, correspondence and any reference numbers.
- Looking for a padlock symbol or 'https' in the website address whenever you are in putting your personal or payment details, as these are secure payment sites.
- If the price of a product is more than £100 and below £30,000, consider using a credit card as this will give you additional protection if things go wrong
- If prices look too low, or too good to be true, then it's very possible the items are fake.
Councillor Convery concluded: "Our aim is to keep our shoppers safe online all the time and not just in the lead up to Christmas.
"However, it's easy to be duped online at Christmas, especially if you are buying goods or services you know little about for a friend or relative.
"I hope all our residents will avoid a nightmare before Christmas and the presents and gifts bought this year will bring happiness and good cheer when Christmas Day arrives".