{May 3, 2010} VICTORIA, BC - With Mother’s Day on Sunday, many of us may turn to the internet to purchase that perfect floral arrangement or unique gift for our moms.  Buying online lets you compare product prices and gives you the convenience of having that special item shipped right to her door.  With so many choices, it pays to be careful.

Here are 10 tips to ensure everything comes up roses when you make your online purchase this Mother's Day.

• Shop with trust. To check on the seller’s reputation, search the web for feedback or comments from other customers. You can also check with Consumer Protection BC to enquire about the business or contact your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for a report about the retailer’s marketplace record.
• Ensure the business is legitimate:  Look for the retailer’s physical location, address and phone number.  If in doubt, call the phone number provided to confirm the sellers physical location.  If the business is located in a different country you may be charged a currency exchange rate by your credit card provider.
• Compare prices. Shop around and compare prices.  What appears to be a low price on-line may end up being more expensive once additional costs such as shipping fees are added in.
• Do your homework. Look for information on the delivery timeframe, the currency the prices are listed in; the warrantee, substitution disclaimers and the return and cancellation policies.
• Find out about the company’s privacy policy. Companies will often list their privacy policy. Find out if your information will be shared to third party companies and how it will be used.
• Keep records. Keep copies of information such as the company name, contract information, a description of what you ordered, how you paid, the terms and conditions of the sale and any e-mails you may have.
• Follow up. It’s a good idea to find out what the recipient of your gift actually received which will help you with your decision to purchase through that business again.
• Don’t wait for statement. Check your account, credit card, or bank statements after making the purchase to ensure that the charges are correct.
• Pay with plastic. A credit card chargeback may be possible if there were any undelivered goods, unauthorized transactions, incorrect credit charge amounts, and defective goods.
• Read your contracts and know your cancellation rights. If you have entered into the contract over the internet or phone, it may be considered a Distance Sales Contract.

For more information about consumer contracts and your cancellation rights, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll free at 1-888-564-9963 or visit the Consumer Contracts section of our website. Happy shopping!

Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and businesses. We license and inspect specific industries, respond to inquiries through our Inquiry Centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law.  For more information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.

Media Contact:
Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, Manager of Public Relations
Ph. 604-296-2856  /  Cell: 250-686-1077
Consumer Protection BC
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