New plans to crackdown on unfair delivery charges have been welcomed in the north and north-east.
Consumer affairs minister Jo Swinson launched the new UK “statement of principles” yesterday, setting out best practice for couriers, online retailers and delivery firms.
The UK Government says the move will lead to customers being charged a fair delivery price, with information about the costs available upfront when people are buying online.
A study by Citizens Advice Scotland recently found that at least a million Scots were being hit with surcharges, late deliveries and even being refused goods when they bought online, with island residents paying about £19 extra in fees.
Sir Robert Smith, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, launched a campaign for a fairer regime and tabled a Bill in parliament which led to the government action.
The Liberal Democrat said: “I am delighted that the consumer affairs minister has announced this new statement of principles which will help to ensure that people shopping online in rural and remote areas will benefit from greater transparency on delivery charges.
“Unfair delivery charges can cause financial difficulties for individuals and businesses, as well as causing a great deal of frustration when time is wasted because a delivery surcharge has not been made clear at the beginning of the shopping process.”
Under the plans, internet retailers will have to make sure their pricing policies do not discriminate against customers on the basis of their location.
Ms Swinson said: “Too many shoppers, especially in rural parts of Scotland, have faced ridiculous delivery charges when buying online.
“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.”
The new industry guidance has been developed by Citizens Advice and the British Retail Consortium.
Scottish Enterprise minister Fergus Ewing said: “When I originally suggested to UK Minister Norman Lamb that we take action, the UK Government did not agree, but I am now pleased to see that they have adopted the provisions of our own charter which was thrashed out after various summit meetings.”