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| Buying from abroad - what you need to know |
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IF you buy from a UK trader you are covered by the distance selling regulations which give you lots of rights.
For example
- You can return goods within seven days for a refund for any reason at all.
- If goods are faulty you can get a refund
- If goods are unsafe you can get a refund
- Trading Standards can get involved to protect your rights.
If you buy from abroad none of these rights exist |
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| Duty
The price on the screen may look cheap but this is probably because VAT
and import duty are not included. If the goods are worth more
than £15 you may have to pay VAT and import duty to the Royal
Mail before you can collect the goods. Plus Royal Mail will
charge £5 as a fee for collecting the tax. So that bargain
Computer looks less attractive! |
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| Product Safety can
be a problem. Goods sold officially in the UK have to comply with
a lot of safety regulations. Goods sold in other countries may
not be covered and they may be confiscated on entry to the country or
worse cause you harm. |
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| Compatibility. We
all know about different plug types and voltages around the world but
phones, TVs Videos and DVD players may not work properly in this
country if imported unofficially. MP3 players bought from China
may not work with UK www sites. |
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This HMSO publication gives a good all around guide to your rights and what to
do if you have problems |
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