Online shopping: what are your rights and what precautions should you take?

Nearly two out of five Arabic people buy online and the Internet has now become an essential purchasing method. Everything can be bought on the Internet: clothes, high-tech products, music… You can even book a show ticket, a trip, a hotel room… But what are the rights of the buyer and what precautions should be taken?

Internet shopping: what can I buy?

Almost everything can be bought on the Internet. Certain products offered by foreign merchant sites are prohibited and others are subject to strict import rules. Weapons, tobacco, drugs are part of it. If you do not want to expose yourself to criminal and financial penalties, you must absolutely complete all the formalities. Also beware of counterfeit products.

Should all sites be trusted for online shopping?

Some points should be checked before buying:

Is the site a member of a professional federation?

Is the professional based in Saudi Arabia or abroad?

What are the means to get in touch with the professional?

Are the general conditions of sale accessible, clear and printable?

Does the professional offer additional services? Guarantees?

Have disputes been reported by other customers?

Not all sites are trustworthy. It’s necessary to be vigilant. In addition, when making a purchase on a foreign site, it will be difficult for you to exercise recourse in the event of a dispute.

How to place my order?

An order is always made in several stages. Choice of products, delivery method, supply of personal data and validation of the order.

For all orders, sellers are required to indicate a delivery deadline. Specifying a deadline is no longer sufficient. If no date is listed, merchants are expected to deliver to you without delay. In the event of a delay of more than 7 days compared to the expected delivery date, you can cancel the order.

All orders must be validated by the double click principle. This makes it possible to check the contents of the order, the total price and to correct certain errors such as a product put twice in the basket, or an entry error in the delivery address … In addition; you also check that the products or services are not added by default, complementary insurance style. A confirmation e-mail, once your order has been validated, must be sent to you by the e-merchant.

I pay with my bank card

Before entering the credit card number in the payment form, be sure to transmit your data in an encrypted manner. The URL should start with “https” instead of “http” and a closed padlock should appear at the bottom left or right of your browser.

If the site does not inspire you with confidence, that there is no way to get in touch with the professional, that the general conditions of sale are not present, do not transmit your bank details. Be careful never to transmit your four-digit confidential code. Under any circumstances. Even your bank cannot ask you to. Once the order has been placed, the e-commerce can immediately debit your account. He does not have to wait for delivery.

If my bank card has been the subject of fraudulent use on the Internet, it is possible to obtain a refund of the sums unduly debited. You just need to send a letter to your bank disputing the payment. This must be done within 70 days of the debit.

My order arrives and then?

When your order arrives, it is best to check the contents and its condition before signing the delivery slip. You can thus make reservations in the event of deterioration. If you have not been able to sign the delivery slip, please note that you have three days to make your comments and assert your rights in the event of a problem.

If the product does not suit me?

In all cases you have a right of withdrawal of seven days (law of 1988 on distance selling). During this period you can return the product without having to justify yourself, even if it is a product on sale or in promotion. The seller will then have to reimburse you for all sums paid (Chatel law), including delivery costs. Consult the general conditions of sale anyway. The return costs on the other hand remain your responsibility. This right does not apply if it is a CD, DVD, software or any cultural product … whose packaging has been removed. Unless you agree, the seller cannot impose a credit on you in the event of cancellation of the sale.

The right of withdrawal applies only in the context of a sale concluded with a professional. If you bought from an individual on EBay, Price Minister or on an advertisement site, no legal retraction is possible.

Since June 1, 2008, the numbers made available to you to track your order, to retract or to invoke the warranty must not be surcharged and must not include any “specific additional cost”.

Book a trip online, a hotel room, a transport ticket, a car rental

We must be extremely vigilant since the law does not grant any right of withdrawal, except in extremely rare circumstances in cases of force majeure.

It is therefore necessary to check all the points of your order before validating it. After, it will be too late.

In the case of a trip abroad, check all the formalities to enter the country. You cannot be reimbursed for the trip just because you did not know you needed a passport. Although the agencies provide advice, it is up to you to educate yourself on the administrative obligations relating to border crossing.

Special attention should be paid to purchasing on the Internet. If you want to be a good online shopping ksa consumer and take advantage of the advantages offered by the Internet, a few precautions should be taken before validating your order form. Consult the Guide “Online Purchases 2019 “published by the Internet Rights Forum