Commissioner’s Blog: Bloomin’ good advice this Valentine’s Day

This announcement is for: 
Consumer

With Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard

Consumer Protection would like to remind Western Australians to protect themselves while shopping online and to know their consumer rights this Valentine’s Day.

February 14th is seen by many as an opportunity to spoil loved ones. But if the flowers you ordered are not as described or don’t show up on time, or you are left with an empty wallet and nothing to show for it, you are unlikely to be feeling romantic.

Red roses shouldn’t be blue

Remember under the Australian Consumer Law you have a right to redress if the flowers that arrive aren’t what you ordered, look significantly different to the photo or sample you saw, or aren’t delivered at an agreed time.

To minimise the chance of anything going wrong, try to use an established florist with a good local reputation.

If you take the risk of buying from an online only store you’ve never dealt with before, or a new pop-up trader, it could be difficult to track them down later to get a refund if you need to.

Businesses based solely on social media are increasingly becoming a trap for consumers, as a Facebook page can easily be shut down, leaving consumers with no way of contacting the trader to chase up their purchase or ask for money back.

Read reviews and ask around your family and friends for recommendations.

If you are buying online, make sure the website you use is secure, take a screenshot of the photo of the flowers you’re buying and keep a copy of the receipt.

Take the time to read the terms and conditions to make sure you’re aware of any additional fees, delivery timeframes and the trader’s policies.

Keep the following tips in mind when purchasing online from a business this Valentine’s Day:

  • Make sure the website is secure by ensuring a padlock symbol is next to the web address. Secure web addresses should begin with https:// not just http://
  • Avoid social media businesses that display few or no contact details. If they offer only a mobile phone number, email address, or have no details at all, reconsider purchasing from the business.
  • Look for reviews on other websites.
  • Payment services like PayPal and most credit cards give you options to dispute or request reversal of charges if you don’t receive your goods. Avoid businesses that ask you to direct deposit money into an account.
  • Take screenshots of the items you buy, contact details provided, payment confirmation, and any other promises such as guaranteed shipping or delivery timeframes.
  • Make sure you order your flowers in time as some online retailers have deadlines.
  • Shop around to avoid spending more money than necessary.
  • If you’re paying for flowers over the phone, always make sure you know who you are speaking to. 
David Hillyard
David Hillyard, by CP Media

 

Consumer Protection
Department News
09 Feb 2016

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