Buyer Rights Information
Why the seller type matters when you buy through a local classified advert.
Business seller
If the seller is acting for purposes relating to their trade, business, craft or profession, UK consumer law can give a consumer statutory rights. Goods supplied by a trader to a consumer must generally be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. These rights cannot simply be removed by wording such as “no refunds”.
If the buyer and business seller form a distance contract, cancellation rights and pre-contract information requirements may also apply. The rules have exceptions and depend on how the contract is made and what is being sold. Your Shop Local therefore does not promise that every business advert automatically carries a 14-day cancellation right.
Private seller
A person selling their own item privately is not treated in the same way as a trader selling to a consumer. The additional consumer protections that apply to trader-to-consumer sales do not generally apply in the same way to a private sale. The item should still match the seller's description. Buyers should inspect the item where practical, ask questions and keep a record of what was agreed.
Your Shop Local's role
Your Shop Local provides classified advertising and contact tools. Unless a future feature expressly says otherwise, we do not take the purchase payment, hold money, deliver the item, provide escrow or become the buyer or seller. The seller is responsible for correctly declaring whether they are acting privately or as a business and for complying with the law that applies to their transaction.
The PRIVATE SELLER or BUSINESS SELLER label records the seller's declaration. It is not an independent certification by Your Shop Local.
Official UK guidance
For general information, see GOV.UK guidance on returns and refunds, online and distance selling and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
This page gives general marketplace information and is not legal advice about a particular transaction.