Online Auctions
Many of us use online auction sites to sell second-hand goods or to bag a bargain. However, it doesn't always work out cheaper to buy something from an auction site, particularly if you end up bidding on something you later decide you don’t want.
When you buy at an online auction, you may be entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Rights Directive (although there are some exceptions).
This cooling-off period means if you buy goods through an online auction, you can change your mind and look for a full refund at any time up to 14 days from the date you receive the goods.
However, it’s very important to know that this cooling-off period only applies when you buy from a business. 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. Auction sites usually take no responsibility for the quality of the goods listed online, so it’s a good idea to do your research before you bid – check for reviews of the seller and check the terms and conditions on the auction site.
Public auctions
Public auctions are auctions that you can physically attend to view the goods for sale. These are not covered by the Consumer Rights Directive and so you will not be entitled to a cancellation or cooling-off period, even if you are buying from a business. But you are still protected by Irish consumer law, and goods being sold at an auction must match the description given at the auction and must be fit for the purpose they are being sold for.
If you buy goods at a public auction and a fault crops up within six months of your purchase, you can claim that the item was faulty at the time you bought it and it’s up to the seller to prove otherwise. If they can’t, you are entitled to look for a repair, a replacement, some of your money back or a full refund.
Remember that if you bid at an auction, you are forming a contract, and placing a bid means that you accept the auctioneer’s terms and conditions. So if you are in any kind of auction – for anything from a very small item right up to an antique, a car or a house – always be clear about these terms and conditions before you place a bid.
Checklist for buying on an online auction site:
- See what the reviews say about the individual or company who is selling the goods on the website. Google them. You will often find reviews of sellers - particularly where they don’t have a good track record.
- Remember, if you're buying from a trader, you are covered by consumer law - but if you're buying from another individual, you're not.
- If the business you buy from in the online auction is based within the EU, you're covered by consumer law.
- It's important to check the terms and conditions of the auction website so that you know where you stand if things go wrong.
- Be wary of sellers who try to strike a deal outside the online auction website as this may mean they cannot be trusted.
- Be careful how you pay for something online. Use a secure method of payment, such as PayPal or a credit card. It can be very difficult to recover your money if you send money by cheque or money transfer and run into problems afterwards.
The CCPC is responsible for enforcing competition and consumer protection laws across the economy. To help consumers make informed decisions it also gives independent, unbiased information about consumer rights and personal finance products and service through its consumer helpline 1890 432 432 and consumer website consumerhelp.ie.
