SAN ANTONIO – Christmas has come and gone, but what if that gift you ordered online or from a catalog hasn’t arrived? Or what happens if what you get doesn’t quite measure up?
Federal law requires that things you order be delivered “within a reasonable time.” Generally, that means within 30 days of purchase.
If the seller can’t ship on time, you have the right to cancel your order. Here’s the catch: The Texas Attorney General’s Office said if a seller advertises that something “ships within six weeks,” that’s still considered reasonable because you were warned.
If there’s a shipping delay, the company must let you know, and then you have the right to cancel if you don’t want to wait.
Shopper Valerie Gomez said she likes to go to traditional stores.
“We try not to put anything on credit cards for the holidays,” she said.
When it comes to online and catalog purchases that may be a mistake, the AG’s office cautions pictures of merchandise are hard to judge. Using a credit card instead of other payment options can make it easier to dispute charges with the seller if there’s a problem with the order.
For more information, visit the AG’s office website.