UK Watchdog Says eBay Is Confusing For Consumers

[Kristijntje]

The millions of shoppers who buy from auction websites such as eBay suffer from inconsistent laws that fail to protect their rights fully, a Government consumer watchdog warns today.

While people buying from internet businesses often enjoy far greater protection than if they were shopping on the high street, those rights do not apply to auction websites...

full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jht...ail219.xml

Auction sites such as eBay were particularly confusing for consumers. If you buy a product using the "Buy Now" option for example, and if the seller is a business and not an individual, you are fully protected under the Distance Selling Regulations - you can return the product within seven days, regardless of whether it was faulty or not, and get a full refund.

If, however, you buy the product in an auction you lose these rights as it is almost entirely up to the seller whether a refund is available.

The OFT says it will contact auction sites to encourage them to explain shoppers' rights more clearly...

full article: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/bu...954857.ece