TIME is running out for online shopping in the run up to Christmas.

Although many websites provide last order dates for customers wanting their gifts before Christmas, those that don't specify delivery times are obliged to deliver goods within 30 days.

That means the last online shopping day before Christmas could theoretically be as early as today.

If a company fails to deliver goods ordered online by the date stipulated in the contract, or within 30 days, it should offer the consumer a full refund of any money paid in advance.

John Field, contact centre manager for Consumer Direct Yorkshire & The Humber, said: "Last year, we received a lot of calls from consumers who were upset when the gifts that they ordered online didn't turn up in time for Christmas.

"Our advice is very simple - do your shopping early enough to make sure you're not disappointed."

The regulations also state that consumers buying goods over the internet or by mail order have the unconditional right to cancel an order and any related credit agreement within seven working days, starting from the day after the goods have been received.

There are, however, some types of goods which do not have a cancellation right, for example, personalised goods.

Consumers buying online also have their normal statutory rights to return all faulty or misdescribed goods at no charge.

Here are some tips on buying on the internet from Consumer Direct:

  • Shop around, you may get a better deal elsewhere
  • Use retailers and services you know about - or ones that have been personally recommended to you
  • Make sure you know the trader's full address, especially if the company is based outside the UK
  • Don't assume an internet company is based in the UK just because the web address has "UK" in it. Check out the physical address and phone number
  • Look for websites that have a secure way of paying (known as encryption facility). These show a padlock at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in the payment details.

Consumers needing more information about online shopping can phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit the website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk