***** Forwarded by Alison McNab <[log in to unmask]> *****
National Consumer Week Message -Don't Get Caught In The Web
Date: 12th October 2000.
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/cgi-bin/newsitem.cgi?file=pres0100.txt&ar
ea=pres
The Trading Standards Institute today launched a major drive to guide
consumers through the web of Internet shopping - after two surveys revealed
problems with more than a third of purchases.
The Trading Standards Institute has issued a free booklet, entitled
'Shopping on the Internet - Better Safe than Sorry!', answering consumer
concerns and advising about the safest ways to buy on the Internet.
Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Kim Howells launched the campaign at the House
of Commons as part of National Consumer Week, which starts on October 16.
'Internet shopping is a growing trend and, though it is extremely
convenient it has pitfalls, which we must seek to avoid,' said Allan
Charlesworth, Chief Executive of the Trading Standards Institute.
'Some of the big names in retailing are not getting customer service right
in their e-commerce trading - as shown by recent surveys by Trading
Standards professionals.
'We have chosen 'Shopping on the Internet' as our focus for our annual
National Consumer Week in the hope that shoppers will use our tips on the
safe way to go shopping on the Internet - and that companies will take heed
of warnings to improve customer service when doing business on the net.'
The Trading Standards Institute welcomes the new Distance Selling
Regulations, which come into force on October 31st 2000, to help protect
consumers buying on-line. The new law stipulates that websites must include
the name of the company, a full description of the goods or services
offered, prices including taxes and delivery charges where they apply and
seven working days cancellation rights.
The Trading Standards Institute booklets have been produced with
sponsorship from QuoteMe4.com (QM4 for short). QM4 offers, through its
website, a free and confidential service to give a direct link to the
providers of a product or service - giving a choice of companies which will
give a competitive quote free of charge before the customer makes any
decision or releases any personal details.
The booklet is available by dialling QM4 on 0845 130 8080. If you require
further information, please contact the Trading Standards Institute press
office on 0870 872 9030 .
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|