CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed new initiatives aimed at preventing unfair parcel delivery charges for people in remote areas like the Highlands and Islands, just in time for Christmas.
The new voluntary guidelines urge retailers to make sure delivery charges do not discriminate on the basis of location, with surcharges applied proportionately and only when unavoidable.
They also call on firms to present customers with transparent information about delivery costs early on in the ordering process.
The new guidelines were announced by Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing after being developed by the Parcel Delivery Working Group set up by the Scottish Government and watchdog Consumer Futures.
Mr Ewing said: "It is particularly fitting that we have launched these principles as parcel delivery operators prepare for their busiest time of year.
"We would encourage retailers to take on board these guidelines and in turn customers, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, will receive a fairer service."
Citizens Advice Scotland said the issue had become a "real people's campaign", with its own research finding at least one million Scots faced surcharges, late delivery or were refused delivery altogether when they tried to buy goods online.
Trisha McAuley, director for consumer watchdog Consumer Futures, said: "Many people in rural areas are left empty-handed or out of pocket when they try to order something online.
"These guidelines are designed to spread best practice among retailers."
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