Are you scared of shopping online ? Yes is some people's answer. Here I am wondering that why. They have the same rights as they buy from a high street shop. And on the contrary you can achieve the extra consumer protection in shopping online.

When you shop online, do you think twice on what might go wrong? There are always some people think that the tangible feel of a product in hand or walk out of the shop physically holding the goods they buy. And just for those, there should be no fears.

And the main concerns on the shopping online are：

If the purchase turns to be faulty, what would happen?
Will I be able to return it and get the refund if it is need?
What should I do if the goods does not turn up at all?
How can I get my money back if the item is lost?

Whatever you think of, then you should know your rights online. And the most important part is you can get the extra protection of the Consumer Protection (distance selling) Regulations 2000!

Cooling-off

There will be a "cooling-off period" after you make most online purchases. With the products, the period begins as soon as you order, ends seven working after you have received the items. But with the service (rather than a product ) you buy online, the seven days starts from date you order the items.

In fact, this very "cooling off period" means that you're entitled to a refund for any reason in this seven day window! Therefore, even the color of something when it arrives, or the item doesn't quite look right in the place that you want to put it, or the feature is not what you thought it had, there is no question that you return it and get your money back.

But there are also some logical and reasonable exceptions as the cooling-off period doesn't apply to all shopping online.

Goods made to your specification
Perishable goods such as flowers and fresh food
CDs, DVDs, and tapes which are unsealed
Newspapers and magazines
Betting, gaming and lotteries

In addition, the auctions and private sellers, who think 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer bewear', would refuse to accept the responsibility for the quality of the goods you buy from them. They would say that the item is in full working condition while you buy them or you have already known that tiny blemish.

Besides this, there are other key rules, which are the main protection rules of online shopper:
Search the clear information about the goods or service before you buy
Your goods must be delivered within thirty days, unless you agree otherwise with the supplier. If that doesn't happen, you'll be entitled to a refund.
You must be fully refunded within 30days once you have notified the supplier in writing (or other durable medium) that you want to cancel your purchase.

Although there must be some exceptions, but these common points you should not forget would be helpful when you shop online. Just as you buy something in the high street shop, you have your rights, and even more protection rules for you. And that is why the e-commerce is booming.