The information provided by the Latvian Traders’ Association shows that online sales have increased by up to 100% in the last month.
Aija Gulbe, Director of ECC Latvia, comments: “It must be admitted that with the increase in the number of online trade transactions, the number of complaints and requests for advice is also growing. In the 11 months of this year, we have consulted almost 1,000 consumers in Latvia and other EU countries, where in most cases goods or services were purchased on the Internet. We provided 566 consultations during the same period last year, which is half as much. “
The problems encountered by consumers are mainly related to insufficient knowledge of the right of withdrawal, incomplete or non-delivery of goods. Gulbe continues: “There is an unpleasant trend in the context of rogue traders – consumer complaints are increasingly linked to fraudulent online shops, which leads to the conclusion that many unfortunately do not have enough knowledge to know such rogue traders.”
According to the data of the study “E-commerce market in Latvia” conducted by SIA “Gemius Latvia” this year and the observations of the Consumer Rights Protection Center (CRPC), providing consultations and handling complaints, the experience of the center also confirms this unsatisfactory trend.
CRPC director Baiba Vītoliņa concludes: “During the research, we found out that online shopping is really everyday life of almost every Latvian – 92% of respondents had made or planned to make a purchase online in the last 6 months. When asked to share problems with online shopping, respondents noted that they were often related to delivery and lack of information, but the centre’s experience suggests that shoppers are increasingly confronted with unscrupulous sellers. “
This year, more than 800 complaints have been received that goods ordered by consumers are not delivered, but the seller does not refund the money, as well as does not respond to consumer requests. Vītoliņa explains: “In addition, a pilot study conducted among merchants in November 2020 leads to the conclusion that merchants have incomplete knowledge of what a regulatory website should look like on the Internet.”
Aware that, in the context of the restrictions and holidays introduced, online sales will certainly grow, it was decided to remind consumers and businesses of their rights and obligations.
The campaign is to be implemented in two educational phases: helping consumers to identify trusted shopping sites and reminding merchants of what a regulatory online site should look like.
Others are currently reading
A fantastic trip around the Latvian cities decorated in a Christmas mood. PHOTO REPORTING
–
–
–
