Online shopping is growing in Ireland - but it is still not as common here as in the US or the UK for example. Some people still like the idea of going to a shop and buying the goods they can see. Some people don't feel safe shopping on the internet - but millions of people use online shops all over the world every day without any problems.
We have tried to link to reputable shops - however we cannot be held responsible for any problems you may encounter. If you do have problems or complaints about online shops please read the information below.

Consumer Protection - for Online Shoppers
Goods bought online in Ireland are covered by the EC (Protection of Consumers in respect of contracts made by means of distance communication) Regulations 2001 (Statutory Instrument 207 of 2001):
Suppliers are obliged to carry out the contract within 30 days of when the order was placed unless they have agreed otherwise with the consumer. If the supplier is unable to uphold its end of the contract, it must inform the consumer who is then entitled to a refund within 30 days. This entitlement can be excluded by prior agreement between the supplier and the consumer in the case of outdoor leisure events.
Where the goods sought by the consumer are unavailable, equivalent goods may be provided. This can only be done where the consumer has consented to this arrangement before the contract is made and the consumer is informed that if he or she decides to withdraw from the contract, then no cost of returning the equivalent goods can be deducted by the supplier.
Remember, you will still be protected by general consumer legislation whether you purchase the goods in Ireland or another EU Member State, i.e., if you buy goods in the UK, you will have the protection of the Distance Selling Regulations and the UK Sales of Goods Act 1979.

When you shop online you have at least 7 working days to return the goods or withdraw from the service without having to give any reason or without incurring any penalty . You can't do this when you buy from a high street shop. When you shop online you can get a refund if you simply don't like the goods. You may however have to pay for the cost of returning the goods.

If you have problems with an Irish web site - you should contact
Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs ,
4 Harcourt Road Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 402 5500 Fax: (01) 402 5501
E-mail: odca@entemp.ie

For EU based online shopping sites - contact
European Consumer Centre
13a O'Connell Street
Dublin 1
Tel: (01) 809 0600 Fax: (01) 809 0601
E-mail: info@eccdublin.ie