If you choose to buy goods from the comfort of your home it is called ‘Home shopping’ and includes anything purchased by post, telephone, fax, email, mobile phone, interactive TV and the Internet.

You have the same rights as if you had bought from a High Street shop, the goods must match their description and advertising claims, be of satisfactory quality and they must be safe.

Did you know that you also have additional rights when you buy without meeting the seller face to face?

These include the right to:

• clear information including any extra charges such as delivery or VAT
• cancel your order at any time up to 7 working days after you received the goods
• have goods delivered within 30 days
• protection from fraud, if someone makes dishonest or fraudulent use of your payment card, you can cancel the payment and the card issuer must refund all the money to your account
• keep or dispose of any goods you receive but have not ordered, if a seller demands payment for unsolicited goods you don’t have to pay or return the goods
• a cooling off period of 7 working days after placing an order, however you cannot cancel if you buy goods which were made to order, perishable, newspapers, software, and audio or video recordings which have been unsealed.

These rights do not apply to food or drink, timeshare agreements or financial services such as a loan.

Be aware that there are different rules if you buy goods from a private individual or from Internet auction sites such as eBay or the seller is based outside the EU.

If you would more details or have a problem with a product you have purchased the CAB can give you more information or help you directly, either by phone or in person or online at www.adviceguide.org.uk.

We are even open on Saturday at the Windermere bureau.

Free, confidential advice and help is available on any aspect of this article as well as debt, benefits, employment, and any other problems.

You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person. Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464.