Online marketplaces
Online marketplaces
Online marketplaces are websites on which many different retailers sell goods to consumers. Examples are the Amazon Marketplace, eBay and Etsy. The retailers must comply with the same range of consumer laws that apply to businesses selling from their own websites and the online marketplace operator also has legal obligations.
Additionally, the retailer must comply with the online marketplace’s terms and conditions to be allowed to continue trading on the website. These terms often include provisions relating to parcel delivery that ensure fairness to buyers, such as limitations on surcharges. If an online consumer encounters any of the problems described within the sections on attempt to increase delivery charge after sale and false claims about delivery charges; in addition to the legal rights and options, they can also report the seller to the online marketplace operator for breach of the website’s terms and conditions. This may result in the retailer being removed from the site. Further information.
Example
A consumer from Northern Ireland visits an online multi-seller site www.abc-marketplace.com and buys an electric shaver from XYZ Electrical Ltd for £80 plus £5.95 delivery, which is a UK-wide standard rate as required by the online marketplace’s terms and buying process. The next day the consumer receives a phone call from XYZ Electrical stating that the Northern Ireland delivery address means an extra £20 for delivery.
Consumer Rights
Consumer has right to receive the goods for payment of £85.95, or to cancel the purchase.