Distance Selling Regs (yup, that old chestnut!)

Boudica78

Two queries about a phone I bought online but wasn't what I hoped for (not wrongly described just...)

1) Does the refund have to be the same as payment method or can it be store voucher?

2) The 14 day notification window - is delivery date day 1? IE if it was delivered on the 1st the window would close on 14th. To my mind it could also be 15th (the first 24 hours ending on the 2nd and so on through to 15th).

A_Geordie

1. Refunds are made using the same payment method unless the consumer agrees otherwise. If I recall, the EU distance selling regulations which were carried over and retained following Brexit explicitly states in the recitals/guidance that consumers should not be reimbursed by vouchers unless that was the method or the consumer expressly accepts the vouchers as reimbursement. 

2. The 14 day windows starts the day after you take delivery of the goods. Using your example, if you take delivery on 1 January, the last day for cancellation will be 15 January. 

Be aware, most companies will almost always try to reduce the amount of the refund by applying a deduction for use. However, deduction for use can only be made if it goes beyond the permitted handling to establish the characteristics and functioning of the goods. If you have simply opened the box and switched it on or even looked at it, then there should be no deduction for use.

Boudica78

Thank you so much -really useful