OFT consults motor trade on Distance Selling Regulations

The OFT is consulting on new guidance for the motor retailers who sell vehicles with no face-to-face contact - such as online, by mail order or by telephone.

The OFT's consultation paper (pdf 174 kb) can be downloaded from http://www.oft.gov.uk/News/Press+releases/2004/13-04.htm The new guidance is aimed at clarifying how the Distance Selling Regulations (DSRs) apply to the sale of vehicles, both new and old, to consumers rather than business customers. The regulations give consumers who buy goods or services by distance means additional rights including:

- a cooling-off period,p> - a clear description of the goods and services

- delivery cost information and delivery services

- written onfirmation of important information

- details of complaints and cancellation procedures.

The guidance is intended to help the motor trade meet these obligations. The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000, commonly referred to as the Distance Selling Regulations (DSRs) came into force on 31 October 2000 giving new rights to consumers in the area of home shopping (where there is no face to face contact such online sales, mail order, telesales). The DSRs apply to almost all types of distance shopping but exceptions include business-to-business contracts.