Internet shopping is easy and convenient by computer, digital TV or mobile phone.

The cost of surfing the web is now the cost of a local call. Internet shopping has huge advantages - it can save you money and time and allow you access to a huge range of goods.

But what if you are sitting in your armchair and buying goods from a company based abroad? City of York Trading Standards offers the following advice:

Make sure you know the trader's full address

Ask if the goods will work in the UK

Check if the guarantee is valid in the UK

Confirm whether the product will have to be returned to the retailer's own country should problems arise

Watch out for hidden costs such as VAT, customer's duties delivery charges and postage and packing

Do not assume an internet company is based in the UK just because its web address has the word UK in it.

If you buy in EU countries you have many of the rights you have in the UK. In addition many other countries, such as the USA, have high standards of consumer protection.

The European Commission provides information on how to resolve EU cross border consumer complaints that originate in their own countries.

Generally, when making a cross-border complaint, you should first complain to the person you bought the item from. Suing a supplier based overseas can be difficult, expensive and take a lot of time.

The contract may be governed by the laws of the country from where the goods were supplied rather than bought, or even the laws of some third country.

Legal action can include having to start court proceedings in the supplier's country. Even if the proceedings can start in the UK, it may still be difficult to enforce a judgement given by a UK court in another country.

If things go wrong with your Internet Shopping, phone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

It can give advice and, if necessary, refer you to your own Trading Standards service for further help.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, August 11, 2005