Martin Lewis has highlighted a little-known legal advantage that gives online shoppers significantly more rights than those buying on the High Street. The MoneySavingExpert founder shared a clip on his official TikTok account explaining the difference in consumer protections between online and in-store purchases.
The Online Shopping Superpower
Lewis described online shopping as having a "superpower" — the legal right to return almost any item bought online within a specified period, no questions asked and without needing to prove a fault. In contrast, shoppers in physical stores can only return items if they are faulty. If you simply change your mind, the retailer has no legal obligation to accept the return.
"If you buy online, you've got 14 days to tell them you don't want it," Lewis explained, "and 14 days after you've told them you don't want it in order to send it back — and you're entitled to a full refund." This means consumers have up to 28 days from purchase to return an item purely because they changed their mind. No fault is necessary, and no awkward conversation at a customer service desk is required.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are some exceptions to this rule. Personalised items do not qualify, nor do perishable goods like flowers. However, for the vast majority of products bought online, the regulation applies. As Lewis summarised: "Online shopping, far more rights than if you buy in a store."
Beyond Returns: Price Comparison and Reviews
The legal advantage is only part of the story. Shopping online also allows consumers to compare products, prices, and retailers in minutes — something that is not possible when standing in a store. A spokesperson for online retail experts Ecigone commented: "Martin is absolutely right that online shopping puts the consumer in a much stronger position. Beyond the returns rights, buying online gives you the ability to compare products, prices and retailers in minutes — something that's simply not possible when you're standing in a store."
"You can check reviews, weigh up your options and make sure you're getting the best price available before you spend a penny. That combination of better rights and better pricing transparency is why more and more people are choosing to shop online."
This serves as a powerful reminder that consumer rights can change entirely depending on where you choose to shop.
