Government to introduce new guidelines to offer UK customers "fair delivery prices"

The UK government has recently issued a new guidance policy for parcel carriers and the e-commerce industry which aims to ensure the offering of “fair delivery prices” to its customers and consumers. Consumer Affairs Minister, Jo Swinson, has said the newly placed guidance will aim to eliminate “ridiculous” delivery charges for customers situated in more rural areas of the United Kingdom.

Swinson has added: “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 will apply across the UK, having been decided last November during a summit held by the government. It is to be considered a voluntary measure; however it will include the existing legal obligations of retailers and carriers. It will provide principles for retailers to introduce “clear, timely and transparent” rights for its consumers which are apparent at the “earliest stage possible in the buying process.”

Currently it is reported those living in the Highlands suffer an average of £15 extra for delivery in some cases, while those living on islands face as much as a 500% mark-up on standard delivery prices. The new guidance policy is due to consider geographical surcharges, only applying them when justified by “actual and unavoidable” circumstances.

Gillian Guy, the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice has said: “Consumers should not be paying over the goods for delivery costs just because of where they live. Firm being more transparent about costs and whether they actually deliver should help people avoid any nasty surprises at the checkout and afterwards.”