Retailers must deliver

CHRISTMAS is just days away and many of us will be fretting over whether our online gift orders will arrive in time, amid widespread shipping delays.

- Harvey Jones

Late deliveries are infuriating if you have taken a day off work, or paid extra for a one-day delivery that turns up after two or three days.

If your parcel arrives late, damaged or never shows up, you may be able to claim compensation.

Just do not bother contacting the delivery company, said Sarah Dennis, head of content at complaints website resolver.co.uk: “The golden rule for online shopping orders is that your contract is with the retailer. In most cases, it is their responsibility to cancel your order and arrange a refund or compensation.”

The exception to this rule is when you organised delivery directly through a courier, she added.

Shoppers are free to cancel an online shopping order from the moment they place it to 14 days after receiving it. Exceptions include perishable goods such as groceries or bespoke products such as a handmade sofa.