Almost 50 major online retailers are misinforming or failing to provide clear information to shoppers about returns rights on their websites, according to a damning new study.
Which? assessed the information provided about online returns and faulty goods rights on the websites of 46 popular retailers and supermarkets.
And the consumer champion found that 45 failed to offer information that was completely accurate and clear.
10 retailers have since updated their information to clarify the unwanted and faulty goods returns information Which? highlighted to them.
These include Aldi, AO.com, Apple, Ebuyer, Iceland, Lakeland, M&S, Ocado, Tesco Direct and Wiggle.
Which? say: "We found a number of major retailers gave the wrong information on their websites about returning faulty goods and unwanted online purchases.
"Others failed to make a distinction between their own store returns policies and statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act and Consumer Contracts Regulations.
"Some retailers presented misleading information that wrongly encouraged customers to pursue faulty goods claims with warranty providers first.
"Which? even found one case where we believe the returns policy was unlawful.
"Which? is concerned that these policies are contributing to widespread confusion on return rights, faulty goods rights and warranties, leaving many consumers out of pocket."
Examples of bad practice included:
- Iceland - The online returns policy for unwanted goods we looked at incorrectly - and we believe unlawfully - stated it would not accept returns on items bought in error or if a customer had changed their mind.
- Allbeauty, Beauty Bay, Feel Unique - Customers were told they could only return unwanted items if they are unopened. This is an unreasonable generalisation, as the shopper should be able to handle the goods as though they were in a store - unless the item is sealed for hygiene purposes.
- Apple, Beauty Bay, Mac Cosmetics - Displayed the wrong returns information on their websites, offering customers just 14 days to return unwanted goods, when they actually have up to 14 days to cancel from the date they receive the goods and a further 14 days in which to return.
- Morrisons - Had incorrect information on its returns and refunds FAQs which limited the cancellation period for returning unwanted online purchases to seven days for non-perishable products.
- Fragrance Direct, AbeBooks, Waitrose, Costco - Limited the length of time shoppers had to return faulty items without stating in their guide that statutory rights also apply. Which? experts believe that this could be misleading.
A further two retailers - Lego Shop and The Body Shop - made changes to their terms after Which? reached out and are reviewing the returns information we raised.
Which? added: "In addition to the changes it’s already made, Apple told us it intends to update the incorrect information we highlighted on its returns timelines in the next few weeks.
"A further seven retailers told us they will be reviewing their returns advice in the coming months."
Which? believes that retailers must do a better job at clarifying statutory rights as separate to online returns policies to promote trust and safeguard consumers from faulty goods.
Alex Neill, Which? Managing Director of Home Products and Services, said: “As a nation that is increasingly shopping online, it is important that trusted retailers do not mislead consumers about their rights.
“We will continue to challenge those that carry on confusing their customers.”
