Making Cents: What to do if something goes wrong when you buy online

Grainne McGuinness gives you tips on what to do if something goes wrong with your online purchase

Know your rights when you're shopping online. 

An Post staff and delivery drivers up and down the country are busy bringing Irish consumers’ online shopping to their doors. From Black Friday splurges to well-researched list items, there’s a lot of unpacking happening this week as online orders reach their destination. Hopefully, most deliveries are as expected. But, if something is wrong, don’t delay - the clock is ticking when it comes to rectifying issues.

Most of us are aware that when we buy online, we have the right to the same protections under consumer law as buying in a shop. If there is an issue, the seller is obliged to engage with you to resolve it to your satisfaction. In fact, under EU law, online purchasing is classed as a distance contract and therefore you have additional protections.