‘Ridiculous’ parcel costs face axe

'ridiculous' parcel costs face axeThe Government has pledged to crack down on parcel carriers and the e-commerce industry charging what one minister described as “ridiculous” delivery fees to consumers in some rural areas.
Whitehall has now issued new guidance on charges that applies across the UK, and although a voluntary measure, it incorporates the existing legal obligations of retailers and carriers.
Consumer affairs minister Jo Swinson said: “Delivery charges should be clear upfront, so people can decide to shop elsewhere if they feel charges are excessive.
“Retailers need to get this right for shoppers across the whole of the UK and especially consider how they can best serve their customers in rural and island communities. Better transparency on charges will help businesses keep loyal customers and boost their reputation.”
The guidance lays out a series of principles for online retailers, for example that consumers should have “clear, timely and transparent” delivery policies laid out at the earliest stage possible in the buying process.
It also suggests geographic surcharges should be applied only when justified by “actual and unavoidable” costs incurred because of the distance.
The principles also encourage retailers to consider how to increase the chances of first-time delivery, such as through alternative delivery options.
The Department of Business, Innovation & Skills said 1 million people in Scotland faced additional surcharges for their e-commerce deliveries in 2012, or were refused delivery altogether.
People living in the Highlands are charged an average of £15 extra for delivery, the government said, with those living in the islands facing a 500% mark-up on standard delivery prices.

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