Online shopping is about to get a whole lot easier, following a vote in the European Parliament last week that will ban geo-blocking in the EU.

So what exactly is geo-blocking? It’s where consumers cannot purchase items online due to their geographical location. For example, you can’t buy a certain pair of shoes from Italy because you are living in Ireland.

While we may occasionally order something from the US or UK, overall only 15% of Europeans buy products from online shops based in another EU country.

When Geo-block is Justified

Sometimes the restrictions around geo-blocking are justified. For example, traders may be caught with extra costs when selling to a consumer in another company. Also, it is in place to block access to certain products, for example, tobacco.

However, geo-blocking mostly restricts consumer access to buying products in other countries and it is considered a discriminatory practise. So following a vote in the European Parliament, the new rules should enter into force by Christmas 2018, so that EU citizens can freely buy online from the single market over the holiday period.

Equal Access, Equal Service

Welcoming the move, Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, who also sits on an EPP group on geo-blocking stated: “Today’s decision means that a consumer in Ireland can purchase a product or service online in any other member state, just as if they were walking into a shop in that member state – with equal access, equal service and no discrimination based on their IP address, postal address or type of credit card. All cross-border customers have the same access to goods and services as local customers. That’s the way it should be in a single market, of which we are all a part of in the EU.”

Added Perks when Travelling

While it benefits us in terms of ordering products online, it also means we cannot be discriminated against financially when booking hotel accommodation or car rental, services which are received by the customer in the country where the trader operates.

The new rules concern buying physical goods online in the European Single Market and do not yet include copyrighted material, such as e-books, e-music, video games or e-films. However, there is a review clause, meaning that in two years’ time the European Commission will review the law and consider ending geo-blocking in additional sectors.

So you will have a lot more websites at your fingertips by the end of the year, which certainly means lots of choice. However, as consumers we need to be a little more savvy when buying online. For example, many of us shop on websites where we are familiar with the trader, Arnotts for example, or the Kilkenny shop. We know these brands and trust them to deliver the product we paid for.

With a more open market, we may find those Italian leather shoes we love, but not know the trader quite as well. So you need to do a little research. Here are some tips for shopping safely online.

Top Tips

  • • Just because a website looks professional doesn’t mean it’s necessarily reputable. Make sure to check that the trader provides a name and address, a description and price for the goods. Look into the delivery costs, the payment arrangements and the conditions for delivery. They should also list terms and conditions, as well as the right to cancel an order during a ‘cooling off’ period.
  • • Many people feel uncomfortable about using their credit card online at first, but a good way to know whether you are on a secure website is if there is an ‘s’ before the website’s name in the address bar, ie https://. If it only has http://, look for a padlock symbol on the bottom right hand corner of the screen when you are paying. Make sure to receive an acknowledgement of your receipt as soon as the order is placed.
  • • You’ll be glad to know that not only are you protected, there are even more laws specific for internet purchases, provided you are buying from an EU-based website. Your goods should be of merchantable quality, fit for use and as described. Furthermore, when you buy online you are also entitled to a ‘cooling off’ period. This means that after you receive your goods you have up to seven working days to decide whether you want them or not. You don’t have to have a reason for changing your mind. So, for example, if your coat arrives and you thought it would be a different colour or material, then you can simply send it back. Bear in mind though that you may have to pay for postage in this situation and, obviously, the goods have to be returned as they were sent out. CL

    • Lidl Releases Raspberry Gin

    We’re big fans of pink gin. It looks pretty, has a pop of flavour with ripe botanicals and it was all the rage last year. Now Lidl has come out with a pink gin that is extremely affordable, at €14.99. The Hortus raspberry gin liquer has a smooth flavour and although it is quite sweet, it is perfect for making pretty, pink gin cocktails if you are having a late Valentine’s celebration this weekend. Lidl has also released a rhubarb and ginger gin, which has a spicy pop of flavour – with the ginger pronounced in the finish. This is a good gin from the UK, but with so many Irish gin companies doing great things these days, hopefully we will see more of them on the supermarket shelves as well.