It's hard to believe it, but it's about time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. That's right people, the festive season is a'coming.  Black Friday (27th November) and Cyber Monday (30th November) are just around the corner, so what better time to get started on those pressies. But before you start filling those virtual baskets, take a read of these six points to keep in mind when you're buying online from the EU at any time of the year... 1. Don't be afraid to change your mind When you buy online, you are given a cooling-off period of 14 days where you can change your mind and cancel. If you buy a product online, the cooling off period ends 14 days after you receive it. You must also return the item within 14 days from the day you cancelled. In the case of a service, the cooling-off period ends 14 days after you enter into the contract. 2. Keep an eye on where you're buying from If you buy something from a business that is based outside the EU, the Consumer Rights Directive does not apply. If something goes wrong with a purchase you make from a website outside the EU, the website's own returns and refunds policy will apply. So make sure that you have read and understood the site’s returns policy before you buy something. 3. Watch for those individual sellers If you buy something from an individual, either directly or through a website, consumer rights legislation does not apply. Items sold in an online auction where the seller is another consumer are not covered by consumer law, so you do not have a cooling-off period. 4. If the product is faulty, you can return it If you buy something online and it turns out to be faulty then your consumer rights are the same as if you bought it in a shop. If you return a faulty item, and your refund is not provided within 14 days and you paid for the goods using a credit or debit card, your card provider may agree to reverse the transaction. This is called a chargeback. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately and give them details of your transaction. If you bought something from an EU-based website and you have to return the item because it is faulty, the seller has to pay for any return shipping costs. 5. If your purchases don't arrive, you have the right to a refund You should receive the goods no later than 30 days from the date of purchase unless an alternative date has been agreed between you and the business. If the goods are not delivered within the time frame you should contact the business and arrange another date that is suitable to you or cancel the contract and receive a full refund. The business should refund you the money without any delay. 6. Be informed Before you complete online purchases, the seller must give you clear information on:

• The name of the supplier, including any trading names
• A description of what you are buying
• The seller’s postal address and contact details
• The price, including any taxes
• The delivery costs
• The arrangements for payment and delivery
• Details of how to cancel your order
• The cost of ordering – for example, the cost of a premium rate phone call if you have to order this way
• How long the offer or price is valid
• The minimum length of any contract

This information was supplied by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. For more information click here.