Grinch-Proof Your Online Holiday Shopping Experience
It is a busy time of year. In addition to "life" necessities, there are extra social commitments that can leave little if any time to brave the onslaught at the mall and shop. Turning to the cyber mall has a certain appeal. However, there are concerns that a disreputable business offering substandard goods and services or no goods and services may take your money and run. This article will provide a few tips to prevent that Grinch from stealing your holiday joy.
In Ontario, online purchases of both goods and services, for more than $50.00 Cdn, are covered by the Consumer Protection Act ("CPA"). According to the CPA, prior to finalizing a purchase, the business must disclose the following information:
Business information including contact information and any the name(s0) the business operated under.
An accurate description of the goods or services, including technical requirements, if any.
A break down of all charges including the price, taxes, and shipping charges together with the total amount due and terms/method of payment.
Information about any additional charges such as custom or brokerage fees and, if the business can determine it, the amount of those fees.
The total amount due, including the currency, together with information on the amounts and dates of payments due. If the information is silent as to currency, Cdn currency is the default for businesses in Ontario. (always double check the currency to ensure you are being charged correctly).
Any relevant information about refunds, exchanges or cancellations (always check refund or exchange policies).
Delivery information including date, cost and method of delivery.
Any applicable information regarding trade-in arrangements.
Any other restrictions, limitations and conditions that would be imposed by the business.
Additionally, if you are purchasing services the preceding 9 factors apply plus the business must disclose:
The dates of the services including when the services will start, continue and stop.
The location where the service will be performed. and
The name of the person who will perform the service.
The business must provide the shopper with the opportunity to accept, decline or correct the agreement. Additionally the shopper must receive a copy in writing (usually email confirmation) within 15 days.
If any of the above information is missing, the risks associated with the purchase increase. For example if you cannot ascertain where the business is located it will be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a refund or exchange. Additionally:
Check online reviews of the business but be aware that some online reviews are created by the business owners or employees to gain your trust.
Check the business website for whether there is information how to complain about the product or service.
Print or save all agreements and receipts.
Always ensure your personal information including credit card information is being sent through a secure server to a secure website.
A few extra moments checking out the business and the relevant charges can save you time and energy if you prevent a Grinch from selling you substandard goods and services. Getting your money back from a Grinch can be both costly and time-consuming.
The content and the opinions expressed here is informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Nor does reading or commenting on it create a lawyer/client relationship with the author. I encourage you to contact me directly at adrianlawoffice@gmail.com if you have specific legal questions or concerns.
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