Wide choice, low price, time saving – these are the main advantages of online shopping. However, it is governed by its own rules. What are they? Before the fever of buying online tickets for sports or cultural events grips Internet users, UOKiK and International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) remind about their rights

Remember! Depending on the EU country, the so-called “cooling-off period” or the time for consideration is 7 to 14 days (Poland – 10 days, Germany – 14 days, Great Britain – 7 days)

Euro 2012, Rugby World Cup in New Zealand or perhaps Sting concert in London? You can buy tickets for various events without even getting out – simply do it on the Internet. Such a way of shopping has many advantages, providing you know your rights and the seller respects them. Office of Competiton and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) and International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) draw consumers attention to:

• careful shopping – when you buy tickets for a concert or a match, either online or at the checkout, it depends on the organizer’s goodwill whether you may return tickets and get your money back. It means that if you cannot participate in the event, the seller operating in the EU may not refund your money. It is worth to know that if you bought for example a photo-printed t-shirt with an artist image or your favorite soccer club’s scarf from an online seller in the EU, you may return it in case it does not meet your expectations. Remember! Depending on the EU country, the so-called “cooling-off period” or the time for consideration is 7 to 14 days (Poland – 10 days, Germany – 14 days, Great Britain – 7 days);



• Virtual sellers operating beyond EU are governed by the law of their countries which you should know before you decide on a purchase. Hardly anybody realizes the fact that UEFA is registered in Switzerland and the European consumers come under Swiss law;
• safe transactions –in order not to be disappointed check with the organizer when tickets for the event are being officially distributed and what are the authorized sales channels. The official logo and trademarks (or their look-a-likes) of the event can be used on the unauthorized sites selling false tickets;
• relevant information – the honest seller does not need to hide information about his/her shop. You have right to find on the website who is the seller and what is his/her contact number or address. The sellers are obliged to honestly inform the consumers about the total price of the offer. Before the final decision read carefully terms and conditions – pay attention to methods of payment, postage costs and the way of lodging a complaint. Be sure that the event, which the ticket is offered for, is at the same time and place as given by the organizer;
• virtual payments - be careful when using credit card. Do not share your PIN with anybody or send it online. In case of transfer payment, before you log in check whether the connection to the bank site is encrypted. If so, the address of the website should begin with https:// and a symbol of a closed padlock should appear at the bottom of the Internet browser;

• print the confirmation of your order;

• remember – according to the Polish law, a person who resells tickets at a profit for sports, entertainment or art events underlies a penalty of arrest, restriction of freedom or is liable to fine.

International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is an organization gathering the institutions of consumer protection from over 40 countries in the world. The Network focuses on information exchange about market practices which can affect consumer interests, and promoting the cooperation between agencies responsible for enforcing consumer law. One of the subjects the members are currently working on is deceptive activities while selling tickets on the Internet.

ICPEN works with the lead of a member state chosen for a rotary presidency (current president – the Netherlands). In 2006-2007 the presidency was held by Poland. Its prior activities included protection of consumer economic interests connected with new technologies development.

Today UOKiK is a co-leader of Communication Working Group as well as administrator of the Network website which was inaugurated 15 March 2010 on World Consumer Day. Weaker participants of the market can find complex information where to look for help when their rights are not respected, how to handle cross-border disputes (on the website www.econsumer.gov), as well as how to safely shop online and not fall into a trap. The site is also a source of information about ICPEN main initiatives like Internet Sweep Day or Fraud Prevention Month, as well as various ways of cooperation in the field of worldwide consumer protection.

Additional information on ICPEN:
Aleksandra Mrozowska, senior expert
Internetional Relations Unit International Relations and Communication Department
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa
Tel. +48 22 55 60 329
E-mail: aleksandra.mrozowska@uokik.gov.pl

Additional information for the media:
Małgorzata Cieloch, Spokesperson for UOKiK
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warsaw
Tel. + 48 22 827 28 92, 55 60 314
faks + 48 22 826 11 86
E-mail: malgorzata.cieloch@uokik.gov.pl