In a recent post we explained what limitations the Consumer Protection Act places on Direct Marketers. Despite these limitations, many people are still lured in by the tempting packages that direct marketers have on offer, and only really think about the financial consequences of what they’ve signed up for once it’s too late! Luckily this will be a thing of the past once the Act is fully implemented in October 2010 as Chapter 2, Section C states that consumers have a right to a cooling off period after direct marketing.
Question of the Week: Can consumers return goods bought as a result of direct marketing?
Yes, within 5 business days from when the transaction or agreement was concluded or from the date that the goods were delivered to the consumer (which ever is the later date).
What you need to know
- If you want to cancel a transaction resulting from direct marketing you must do so in writing or another recorded manner within 5 business days.
- Suppliers must return any payment within 15 business days of:
- Receiving the consumer’s written withdrawal if no goods have been delivered.
- Receiving the returned goods from the consumer.
- This section of the Act is in addition to, and does not substitute for, any right to rescind a transaction or agreement that may otherwise exist in law between a supplier and a consumer.
Interesting Fact
This does not apply if section 44 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act applies to the transaction.
Click here to find out more about the Consumer Protection Act.
