British Columbians Urged to Know Online Shopping Rights Amid Holiday Surge

As the holiday shopping season approaches, British Columbians are being reminded of their rights when making online purchases. With a notable increase in online spending during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Consumer Protection BC has issued guidance to help consumers navigate their legal protections.

Louise Hartland, the director of public relations at Consumer Protection BC, emphasizes the importance of using credit cards for online transactions. “If you can, make your online purchases using a credit card. This will give you the most protection under B.C.’s consumer protection laws if something goes wrong, such as not receiving your package,” she stated. This advice aims to safeguard consumers in case issues arise with their orders.

Consumer Protection BC outlines specific obligations for businesses when it comes to online sales. Before completing a transaction, companies must present vital information, including a detailed description of the product, the currency, delivery methods, and any applicable cancellation, return, or refund policies. Additionally, if a business intends to leave a package unattended or deliver it to someone else at the address, this must be disclosed in advance.

After a purchase is finalized, consumers should expect to receive a detailed receipt within 15 days. This receipt should include essential details such as the business name, total cost, refund policies, and the anticipated shipping or delivery date. If a package does not arrive within 30 days of the promised delivery date, consumers are legally entitled to cancel the contract. In such cases, it is advised to contact the business directly for a refund, which companies are obligated to process within 15 days after the request.

Should a refund be denied, consumers can escalate the issue by contacting their credit card provider. If both the business and the credit card company refuse to resolve the situation, individuals are encouraged to report the transaction to Consumer Protection BC, as the seller may be violating provincial law.

The reminder from Consumer Protection BC comes as online sales in Canada are experiencing significant growth. According to Salesforce, online spending during the recent Black Friday weekend increased by nine percent compared to the previous year. Cyber Monday is anticipated to break more records as consumers continue to search for deals.

“We know the holiday shopping season can be stressful, and the last thing you want to deal with is not having a gift for someone because you didn’t receive it,” Hartland added. For those encountering difficulties, resources are available on the organization’s website to assist consumers in understanding their rights and resolving issues.

This proactive approach aims to empower consumers during a period of heightened online activity, ensuring they are informed and ready to make purchases with confidence.