Powys Trading Standards has issued a warning that some online sellers are providing unsafe goods.
Together with the Office for Product Safety (OPSS), Powys County Council’s Trading Standards team want to make sure people check who they are buying from.
“Many consumers may be unaware that online platforms are not always the seller of the products on their websites but often act as an intermediary between an independent company and the buyer,” said a council spokesperson.
“And that buying products from businesses based overseas or who fail to provide an address, increases the risks.
“As more and more shoppers use online platforms, so too do unscrupulous sellers, supplying unsafe products and offering no support when things go wrong.”
OPSS and the council’s Trading Standards team is therefore issuing a Safety Checklist for anyone purchasing products through online platforms:
Are you buying directly from an online platform or is it a third-party seller?
Research the trader – Don’t rush into buying an item as soon as you spot a good deal. Take some time to do some research on the company or trader first by checking their protected by a trade body, have a registered address and if they have a good reputation with customers.
Is the seller based in the UK or abroad, and is there a name and address for you to contact?
Do a domain check – Type in the trader’s web…