Consumer protection advice for Longford customers as Fastway enters receivership

Unless a courier has been independently hired by the consumer, then the goods are the responsibility of the retailer until the customer takes physical possession of the delivery. 

This was the advice from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to worried customers following news reports of well-known courier firm, Fastway, entering into receivership.

With customers in their thousands wanting to know what the receivership would mean for the status of their deliveries coming via Fastway, or if their purchases would even be delivered now, the CCPC stated:

"When a consumer orders something for delivery, their contract is with the retailer, not the courier. Goods are the responsibility of the retailer until the buyer takes physical possession of the delivery. It is the retailer's responsibility to address any delay, damage or non-delivery. Orders should be delivered within 30 days unless otherwise agreed by the consumer and retailer." 

The spokesperson added, "If the delivery cannot be rearranged within a suitable period, or where the delivery of the goods is no longer appropriate in the circumstances, consumers have the right to cancel their order due to non-delivery and receive a full refund, including delivery fees. The retailer must refund the consumer within 14 days. These obligations are set out in the Consumer Rights Act 2022. Exceptions apply in cases where the consumer has independently engaged a courier; the retailer is then not responsible for delivery."

While a slight delay in delivery time may occur as a result of Fastway entering receivership, packages should still arrive as the firm is working in conjunction with retailer clients to try and ensure minimal disruption. If your package does not arrive within the time frame promised by the retailer, however, it is advised that customers contact the retailer in question and not Fastway.