Uk Shopping In Spain - Consumer Advisor

Many tips on buying on the internet are the same as for buying from a shop, such as:

• Shop around. That great deal might well be on offer somewhere else - and cheaper.
• Use retailers and services you know about - or ones that have been personally recommended to you.

But there are also extra things to remember when shopping online:

• A company might have a great website, but that doesn't mean it's law-abiding.
• Make sure you know the trader's full address - especially if the company is based outside the UK. The internet makes buying from abroad easy so it’s important you know your rights.
• Don't assume an internet company is based in the UK just because its web address has 'uk' in it - check out the physical address and phone number.
• Take into account the shipping, postage and packing costs. Weigh them up against the parking and travelling costs you would have to pay if you went to the high street.
• Although shopping from overseas websites is relatively safe it may be difficult to enforce your contract if things go wrong. If the item or service is over £100 then consider paying by credit card.
• Look for websites that have a secure way of paying (known as an encryption facility) - these show a padlock at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in the payment details.
• Check whether the company has a privacy statement that tells you what it will do with your personal information.

Look for firms that are part of an independent approval scheme. These are companies that have signed up to particular standards. These include measures to:

• Protect your privacy.
• Ensure your payments are secure.
• Let you know what you've agreed to.
• Tell you how to cancel orders.
• Deliver goods or services within agreed timescales.
• Protect children.
• Sort out complaints - regardless of where you live.

Please note: There are many different trader approval schemes worldwide - so check out what their particular approval means.

Let me know your queries Eedie