SHOPPING online is easy and convenient, especially if you want to send a gift direct.

However, sending unwanted goods back can lead to problems, especially when gifts purchased by someone else are involved.

The good news is that as the purchaser, when you buy via the internet, you have more rights to return unwanted goods. In most circumstances, online stores must give a cooling-off period of seven working days. During this time, goods can be returned for any reason. However, sending unwanted products back can be expensive. If the item is not faulty or misdescribed you may have to pay to send them back. Businesses must tell you if you're obliged to pay to return, but they can wait until the point of delivery to do so. If the website has a High Street outlet, you may be able to return the item that way, but this isn't always possible. The purchaser is the only person with the legal right to return an unwanted item, unless the seller knows the item is purchased as a gift and has agreed in advance to give the same legal rights to the recipient as the purchaser has. Where third-party rights have not been agreed, some sellers will allow gift recipients to return unwanted presents in exchange for vouchers or alternative goods. However, refunds can generally only be repaid back onto the credit/debit card of the buyer.

An online store can insist on proof of purchase before accepting returned goods. Most internet purchases from UK-based websites are covered by the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations.

Under this legislation:

- You have a cancellation period that begins when you have ordered the goods. Your right to cancel finishes seven working days after the goods are delivered. Within this time you are entitled to cancel the order and receive a full refund for unused goods

- The seven-day cancellation period only applies in certain situations. Some products are excluded, such as newspapers, magazines, software, CDs and videos, and many travel and financial products

- You cannot cancel a service which has already started.

- Perishable goods or items which have been made to your specifications are not subject to cancellation rights

- You may have to pay to return unwanted goods unless they are faulty or misdescribed

- If you buy from a website based outside the UK, the laws of another country may apply.

For advice on this or any other consumer matter contact City of York Council Trading Standards Consumer Advice on 01904 551562 or call at 9 St Leonard's Place, York. Fax them on 01904 551590, email them at trading.standards@york.gov.uk or visit thier website at www.york.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, March 06, 2003