The window to get your Valentine’s gift ordered and on your doorstep is getting shorter by the day. And if you order from a retailer that promises that you’ll get your item in time, you could be running a risk, says the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The agency says that by law, sellers have to ship your order within the time they say they’ll ship.
“If they don’t give a specific time, your order must ship within 30 days. When shipping will be delayed, the seller has to let you know about it,” Cristina Miranda, consumer education specialist at the FTC notes. “Sellers also have to give you the choice to either accept the delay or cancel your order for a full refund.”
Anytime you shop online
Miranda says the first thing you’ll want to do is research the seller. Go high and low – search the company online, looking for the company’s name alongside the words “reviews,” “complaints,” or “scams” that your fellow consumers may have posted.
Then, go a little deeper and read the seller’s refund and return policies carefully. Why on a simple thing like a Valentine’s Day gift?
“Sellers often have different refund and return policies, and dishonest sellers will use tricky disclosures and fine print to deny refund requests,” Miranda said. That’s why.
You’ve also got protection if you use a credit card and not a debit card, gift card, or store credit. In comparison to other forms of payment, credit cards offer the most protection against fraud, including the right to dispute charges.
The moment you order something, start a paper trail, and don’t throw away anything – not your receipts and not confirmation emails.
“If something goes wrong, these can help you get your money back from the seller or file a dispute with your credit card company,” was Miranda’s last suggestion.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-02-09 13:20:13
