Online purchases can be very convenient, especially during these uncertain times. Here is all you need to know about online purchases and the cooling off period – a consumer’s right…
With so many items being bought and sold online due to lock down we at wham think it is important to remind consumers their rights and to remind vendors their responsibilities.
Purchases affected online, or over the telephone both from local and foreign suppliers are subject to what is known as the two-week cooling off period. The 14-day cooling-off period starts the day the consumer receives the item. This means that purchasers have the right to return the goods for a full refund within two weeks of their purchase, no questions asked. Although a few exceptions apply, the general rule is that if items are still in their original packaging and have not been used then the supplier needs to accept the item back and refund the money. The consumer doesn’t need to offer any explanation. Unfortunately, some vendors seem to be unaware of this rule and are refusing to take items back and offer refunds.
Vendors large or small need to live up to their responsibilities towards their clients. If you have had a bad experience with online purchases where the supplier refuses to issue a refund contact the MCCAA on https://mccaa.org.mt/ – If you have a story to share with our wham readers send us an email on [email protected]
Francesca Fenech Conti is passionate about social issues and has a BA in Social Policy. She is the Founder and creator of the women only facebook group Women for Women (Malta) and the Women for Women Foundation that works hand in hand with other NGOs and businesses to empower and support women, especially single mothers.
Francesca recently also launched Wham.com.mt to provide a much needed space on the local media scene to promote women’s voices and to provide women with a source of information regarding their general wellbeing.
Click here to check out Francesca’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
