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SHOPS is an evolution of the National Newspapers' Mail Order Protection Scheme (MOPS) which was originally established in 1975 as a self regulatory body
to promote consumer confidence in "payment-with-order" home shopping.
Home shopping advertisers have a very special responsibility towards the public,
since their customers cannot see or examine the goods before they purchase and have to rely on the advertisers’ descriptions of the items. This was recognised by the National Newspapers and, following consultation with the
Office of Fair Trading, MOPS was established, running successfully for over 30 years.
In recognition of "multi-channel" ordering available to today's consumer,
SHOPS was re-launched to emphasise that readers are protected whether they order the goods advertised by post,
'phone or the internet.
SHOPS is a not for profit organisation owned by the Newspaper Publishers Association (NPA)
and the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).
SHOPS safeguards readers by reimbursing them should they lose money if the goods which have
been ordered fail to be delivered as a result of an advertiser going into liquidation or bankruptcy or ceasing to
trade. It also covers readers who have returned goods and not received a refund from a failed advertiser.
SHOPS promotes best practice by vetting advertisers before they are allowed into the scheme.
What is Covered by the Scheme? |
SHOPS cover applies only to advertisements placed, or catalogues carried, in the National Newspapers and their supplements.
Most 'Payment with Order' advertisements are covered by SHOPS, and are usually
highlighted by the SHOPS sign. Protection applies to goods, but not services. Consumers must have responded directly to the advertisement or
inserted catalogue. Please note only goods which appear in the advertisement or inserted catalogue can be covered by the scheme.
What is NOT Covered by the Scheme? |
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Goods whose performance is not guaranteed, for example second-hand items.
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Goods under the value of £1.00 and purchased catalogues under the value of £5.00. |
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Payment by credit card for goods with a value over £100.00. These are covered by the credit card issuer
under statutory regulations (the Consumer Credit Act 1974 S75). |
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Purchases which are made following the receipt of a requested brochure or at a visit to a retail store,
whether prompted by the advertisement or not. |
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Any variation to the standard goods described in the advertisement or insert, including price and specification. |
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