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Irish consumers plan to buy Irish after Brexit and many have already switched UK websites due to consumer rights concerns.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (JPAC) has said there has been an 18% increase in the number of people planning to buy more from Ireland-based companies.
But more than half of the consumers here still shop from UK businesses. We buy more clothing, footwear and electronics than any other item from UK sellers.
JPAC surveyed consumers and pointed out the dangers of shopping in non-EU countries. It is concerned that a lack of awareness of consumer rights when shopping in non-EU countries could make consumers more vulnerable after Brexit.
As of January 1, many of the rights that consumers have become accustomed to when shopping in the UK will no longer apply.
Consumers are advised to check where the companies they buy from are located.
Purchases on EU-based websites carry strong consumer rights, including the right to return products up to 14 days after receiving them, if you simply change your mind. This principle should apply to purchases in the UK made in December.
So in other words, if you want to return something to a UK seller in January, you have to apply EU consumer rights. But, in the absence of a formal agreement between the EU and the UK, if a UK company does not respect consumer rights, its ability to find a solution could be difficult.
If there is a dispute, there is no one to appeal to, as the UK will no longer be a member state of the EU. Therefore, a dishonest seller cannot be forced to grant consumers their EU rights.
You should also check the cancellation and returns policy if you buy from companies outside the EU. Many consumers do not, and can often end up losing as a result. You need to check and see if you can return the item if you change your mind.
It is also worth checking if you can cancel the order before shipping, or if you receive the item, ask who will pay the cost of returning the package – you or the company you are buying from? Many of the large online retailers have a free returns policy.
The next one is crucial and many of us get caught up in it. Check for additional taxes or charges if you buy from outside the EU, starting January 1, which will include the UK. VAT and customs charges can often be applied upon delivery.
To protect yourself, pay by card. If a business charges you twice or doesn’t deliver the purchase, you can use a facility known as Chargeback, which will cause your bank to refund the money to your card and penalize the business. This is worth considering if there is a dispute with the company and you feel you have been misled.
Brexit will mean that, as consumers, we will have to change our behavior. We are now well used to shopping from UK brands, and within a few weeks that procedure will not be as easy or simple as it has been so far.
Buying in the UK will be like buying in any other non-EU country. If you’ve had a customs charge when you ordered something from the US or China, you’ll know the feeling when you realize that that offer, well, it wasn’t that great after all!
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is raising awareness about this, because it knows very well that consumers will be affected rather quickly.
Gráinne Griffin from the JPAC said: “In the run-up to Christmas, more consumers than ever are shopping online and it is important for consumers to be aware that, starting on January 1, Brexit will mean changes when shopping online. or return products from the UK “. based businesses.
“This is especially important for those who may be considering purchasing high-value goods from UK-based companies and who want to be sure that they can easily be tracked into the new year in the event of after-sales problems.”
In short, they want all of us as consumers to be Brexit aware if we shop online this Christmas.
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