The Mail or Telephone Order Rule is a regulation that requires sellers to have a reasonable basis for claiming they can ship ordered merchandise within a certain time. If they make no shipment statement, they must have a reasonable basis for believing that they can ship within 30 days. If they cannot ship within the promised time, they must notify the customer of the delay, provide a revised shipping date and give the customer the option to cancel and receive a full refund.
The Mail or Telephone Order Rule is a regulation enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that provides consumer protection for purchases made through mail or telephone orders.
Yes, the Mail or Telephone Order Rule also applies to online purchases, as long as the transaction is conducted remotely without face-to-face interaction.
The rule requires sellers to have a reasonable basis for stating that they can ship the ordered merchandise within the advertised timeframe, or if no timeframe is specified, within 30 days.
No, sellers are not allowed to change the shipping timeframe after the purchase is made unless the buyer agrees to the delay.
If the seller cannot meet the advertised shipping timeframe, they must promptly notify the buyer and provide the option to either cancel the order and receive a full refund or agree to the delayed shipment.
Yes, there are exceptions for certain types of merchandise, such as personalized items or goods made to order, where the seller may need additional time to fulfill the order.
Sellers are generally not allowed to charge the buyer until the merchandise is shipped, unless the buyer agrees to a delayed shipment or the merchandise is on backorder.
If the buyer cancels the order due to a delayed shipment, the seller must issue a full refund within seven business days.
No, sellers are not allowed to charge a restocking fee for canceled orders due to delayed shipments.
If you believe a seller has violated the Mail or Telephone Order Rule, you can file a complaint with the FTC or contact your state’s attorney general’s office for further assistance.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 13th April 2024.
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