Amazon ordered to clarify delivery charges following complaint

Internet shopping firm Amazon has been told to clarify their delivery charge policies after a customer found he had to pay despite meeting free delivery conditions.

The Advertising Standards Authority came to the conclusion that it was unclear which items were and weren't available for free delivery.

The customer complained that the ads were misleading after finding that he had to pay a delivery charge at the checkout, placing items in his basket which took the order above £20, the usual minum limit for avoiding the charges.

Amazon has responded by saying that there is a part of its website in which browsers can find explanations in order to alleviate doubts surrounding delivery charges. It says that some items are not available for free delivery because they are not sold directly through Amazon.

"We concluded the ads did not make sufficiently clear which items were eligible for free delivery, and under what terms, and that they were therefore misleading," said the ASA.

The authority advised the company to include any delivery charges alongside the price of the product on sale via its website.

An Amazon spokesman said: “We offer a wide range of delivery options and ensure that any charges are clearly visible so our customers can make an informed choice before they decide to make a purchase.”

The company recently became the fourth largest in the US after taking over oil corporation ExxonMobil in terms of market capitalisation.