E-shops and e-auctions are becoming more and more popular. More than half of the Poles use them. On World Consumer Day we remind web surfers of their rights related to internet transactions

E-auctions are gaining in popularity. Their main advantages include time saving, the possibility to buy products without leaving the house, but also lower prices and a wider range of products to choose from. Research carried out by the Money.pl portal shows that products most frequently bought by the Poles via the internet include: books (36.6%), mobile phones and other GSM accessories (25.5%), CDs (20.5%) and cosmetics (18.2%).

E-shopping, like traditional one, is in general safe. However, before you decide to buy something via the internet, it is good to get acquainted with the rights you are entitled to. Especially as the rights depend on who you conclude an e-transaction with. If with entrepreneur, it is regulated by the detailed provisions of the Act on protection of certain consumer rights and liability for damage caused by a hazardous product. On the other hand, if an e-transaction is concluded with another consumer, the provisions of the Civil Code apply.

However, regardless of who the contracting party is, several fundamental rules are worth remembering.

How to safely buy products via the internet?

1. Find out about the seller. If something is wrong, you have to know how to contact them, where to go. You should be alarmed if the site does not provide a phone number and an address of the premise.

2. Find out about the product. You should browse all the information about the product available on the site, analyse technical data and ask yourself whether you really need this product.

3. Check the price. Make sure that all customs duties, taxes, insurance costs, packaging costs are included in the price. Don’t forget to ask who pays the postage.

4. Find out about acceptable ways of payment. If you give your credit card number in the internet, make sure that you use a safe internet connection (yellow padlock).

5. Find out about the principles governing delivery and the method for canceling the order. If the shop cannot guarantee that the parcel will be delivered within the time you require it to be delivered, you’d better resign.

6. Remember that within 10 days on receipt of the parcel you have the right to waive the contract without the need to specify the reasons (exceptions include food, CDs containing music, video or software if the original packaging has been removed).

7. You have the right to complain about a defective item bought via the internet. The seller is liable for any lack of conformity of the product with the contract which becomes apparent within a period of two years.

8. Keep receipts and other documents you are given when you buy a product. Print or copy the order, rules and conditions of purchase presented on the internet site. Keep the seller’s brochure and all mails exchanged with the seller, they may be useful for pursuing a claim.

9. Protect your personal data. If the form you fill in does not contain a question concerning your consent to process your personal data, ask the seller how they protect information about their clients.

10. Be reasonable. If something seems to attractive to be true, probably it isn’t true!


E-auctions
Research carried out by Money.pl shows that e-auctions are getting more and more enthusiasts - 44% web surfers use them. Sales are effected via websites which enable their users to bid for items. The one who offers the highest price is entitled to buy the product. Auction administrator only makes it possible to conclude a transaction, but isn’t a party to this transaction. Remember that in case of problems the administrator bears no responsibility.

That’s why it’s crucial to check the reliability of the contracting party. Auction administrators use various evaluation systems for both sellers and buyers. These system shouldn’t be disregarded.
It is also advisable to contact the seller before the bid opens to specify the transaction details: form of payment, transport costs, the way the object will be sent, package, and, if relevant, insurance.

The World Consumer Day is celebrated on 15 March. That day in 1962 John F. Kennedy, President of the USA, gave a decisive speech, in which he formulated four basic consumer rights (the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to safety, and the right to be heard). In Poland, it is the fifth time the World Consumer Day has been celebrated.

Additional information:
Elżbieta Anders, Spokesperson of UOKiK
Department of International Relations and Communication
Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK)
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa
Phone 22 827 28 92, 55 60 106, 55 60 314
E-mail: eanders@uokik.gov.pl