...to make an online purchase in another member state of the European Union
To make an online purchase in another member state is interesting. Merchandise that can be less expensive and you can have more choices without having to move.
Nonetheless, electronic commerce outside of national frontiers is not without risks and in order to avoid problems, you should respect certain rules.
Think about delivery delays and buy the product with enough time, especially if you are buying it in a foreign internet site: an international payment transfer can take some days and the postal delays for an international shipment take longer.
• Verify that the site shows the name of the company, its administrator, and complete address
• Avoid the addresses with simple postal boxes and/or surtaxed telephone numbers. If there is a listed telephone number, don’t hesitate to call! Ask for additional information about the product and the delivery conditions. Their responses will give you an impression of the seriousness of the seller.
• Verify that the sites mention: the general terms and conditions and the obligatory consumer protection rules; look if it has a quality label or trusting brand. Inform yourself about the rules of attribution, guarantees and proposed services.
• Don’t hesitate to look in other online sites and forums if other buyers have left comments or remarks about the seller.
In addition:
• they will ask you to pay in advance and
• to pay via bank transfer or credit card
-You should limit the banking fees by verifying that the seller told you his international banking details (IBAN, BIC and SWIFT) because only with these details the transfer will cost you the same price as a national payment.
-Use your credit card only in the secured online sites (ex. http s://www. ….) that permit encrypted messages and don’t ever send you password.
-You saw a fraudulent use? Immediately contact your bank!
Nonetheless, electronic commerce outside of national frontiers is not without risks and in order to avoid problems, you should respect certain rules.
1. You should compare!
It is important to choose your product well by comparing the prices across Internet sites and also with the traditional channels of distribution. Online purchases are not always less expensive! Don’t forget to take into account delivery and banking fees.2. Think about delivery delays!
Do you need the product by a specific date?Think about delivery delays and buy the product with enough time, especially if you are buying it in a foreign internet site: an international payment transfer can take some days and the postal delays for an international shipment take longer.
3. Pick your seller with caution!
In order to reduce risks:• Verify that the site shows the name of the company, its administrator, and complete address
• Avoid the addresses with simple postal boxes and/or surtaxed telephone numbers. If there is a listed telephone number, don’t hesitate to call! Ask for additional information about the product and the delivery conditions. Their responses will give you an impression of the seriousness of the seller.
• Verify that the sites mention: the general terms and conditions and the obligatory consumer protection rules; look if it has a quality label or trusting brand. Inform yourself about the rules of attribution, guarantees and proposed services.
• Don’t hesitate to look in other online sites and forums if other buyers have left comments or remarks about the seller.
4. Inform yourself about the payment methods!
Generally, foreign online sites do not accept checks.In addition:
• they will ask you to pay in advance and
• to pay via bank transfer or credit card
-You should limit the banking fees by verifying that the seller told you his international banking details (IBAN, BIC and SWIFT) because only with these details the transfer will cost you the same price as a national payment.
-Use your credit card only in the secured online sites (ex. http s://www. ….) that permit encrypted messages and don’t ever send you password.
-You saw a fraudulent use? Immediately contact your bank!
5. Before completing your purchase, verify the general terms and conditions and your guarantees!
Verify your products in your basket, their prices, the delivery fees, the general terms and conditions of sale, and the guarantees given by the seller. Does he offer a commercial guarantee in addition to the legal guarantee?
Always print or save the contract and the purchase conditions.
6. Verify how your personal information will be used!
• will it be used to be given to third parties?• will it be used to subscribe you to other offers?
7. You should receive a purchase confirmation!
Above all, keep it or print it!8. Your withdrawal rights!
If you are not satisfied with your product, resend it at least within the seven days period of receiving it (minimum delay settled by a European directive, in some countries, the delay can be 14 days).Attention! Some products or services do not adhere to this revocation delay: CDs or DVDs in which the packaging was opened, magazines or journals, travel services, etc.
9. Verify the state of the product once it is delivered!
Point out any damage to the transporter.If the product is damaged or does not correspond to what you asked for, file a complaint to the transporter and the seller.
Is it impossible to find a friendly solution? Send a letter demanding a reimbursement, reparations or delivery of a new merchandise. It is preferable to fix a reasonable delay with your seller.
