Consumer contracts

Consumer law affects most businesses in Northern Ireland. If you supply goods or services to consumers, your business should be aware of the regulations. Every time you sell something you make a contract with the consumer. 

The rules cover the information a consumer is entitled to receive before their purchase and their right to cancel a contract. There is a 14 day cooling-off period for consumers who bought goods or services online, by mail order, by telephone or away from your normal trading premises.

The rules also cover:

• the information you must give to customers before and after making a sale
• clear rights when consumers change their minds
• consumer contracts delivery and risk and who is responsible during the delivery process
• consumer contracts additional charges no longer allowed to be a default option
• rules on customer helplines charges

As a trader you need to be aware of other responsibilities, and consumers' rights, when supplying goods and services. You should also see customer protection and the Consumer Rights Act.

This guide helps you to understand consumer contract law and the rules on providing consumers with contract information. It explains types of consumer contracts and exemptions from consumer contract rules.