According to European Union legislation (Distance Selling Directive 97/7) consumers can expect the same level of protection in every EU country when shopping at a distance (e.g. concluded via phone, e-mail, on line and mail order catalogue).

The key benefit of this legislation is the right of withdrawal/cooling off period. It entitles consumers to make up their minds about the purchase within a period of seven working days, without penalty and without giving a reason. The minimum time a consumer has to withdraw from the contract is 7 days and in some EU member states the period is longer. Please contact us for details of specific countries cooling of periods.

In the UK consumers has 7 days starting from the day after the goods arrive, to change their mind and decide to return the goods the consumer cannot be obliged to bear any costs than the direct cost of returning the goods to the seller.

In the case of a service, the consumer has 7 days starting the day after the conclusion of the service, unless a start date for the service has been agreed within this period.

Please note that consumers may not exercise their right to withdrawal for all types of contracts, except if a specific term is added to the contract with the agreement of both parties. Withdrawal is usually impossible for the following types of contracts:

· for the provision of services if performance has begun before the end of the seven working day period;

· for the supply of goods or services the price of which is dependent on fluctuations in the financial market;

· for the supply of goods made to the consumer's specifications or which cannot be returned (liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly);

· for the supply of audio or video recordings or computer software which were unsealed by the consumer;

· for the supply of newspapers;

· for gaming and lottery services.

According to the legislation, the business/professionals are obliged to provide clear and legible pre-contractual information to the consumer, in good time prior to the conclusion of the contract.

The consumer must be informed at least about:

1) the identity and address of the supplier;

2) the characteristics of the goods or services and their price including all taxes;

3) delivery costs;

4) the arrangements for payment, delivery or performance of the contract;

5) the existence of a right of withdrawal;

6) the period for which the offer or the price remains valid and possibly the minimum duration of the contract;

7) the cost of using the means of distance communication, where it is calculated other than at the base rate.