HEAVY snow can be a pain if you're waiting for a delivery – especially with Christmas just days away.

Shoppers are facing major disruption after temperatures hit -15°C overnight and four inches of snow fell overnight.

Brits have already faced days of cancelled flights, delayed trains and backed-up motorways as a result of adverse weather.

Traffic on the M25 came to a standstill for over three hours earlier this morning.

And retailers are now warning customers that their shopping might be delayed due to the wintry weather conditions.

So what are your rights if your delivery has been cancelled at the last minute and can you get compensation?

Here's what you need to know:

What are my rights if my parcel is late or hasn't turned up?

If your parcel doesn't show up, it's important to understand your contract is with the retailer, not the delivery company.

So, if the courier loses the goods you ordered, the retailer is still responsible for putting things right.

If your item has failed to show up on time, the first thing you need to do is raise it with the retailer.

It will be their responsibility to track down your package.

Will I be entitled to compensation if my shopping is late due to snow?

It can be extremely frustrating but probably not.

When looking at their terms and conditions, most retailers insist that they are not liable for missing a delivery slot.

More about your consumer rights

For example, Tesco states: "Whilst we make every effort to deliver all your goods in the agreed time, we will not be liable if we fail to do so in part or in full due to circumstances beyond our control."

Royal Mail also says that it is not liable in circumstances where the event leading to the claim was caused by situations "outside our control" including exceptionally severe weather conditions.

But the retailer you ordered from should attempt to arrange an alternative time if the bad weather caused you to miss your slot.

Can I at least get my money back if my shopping doesn't arrive at all? Or if it doesn't arrive after 30 days?

Yes. If your item never showed the retailer should issue a refund for your shopping.

Legally, retailers only need to refund the cost of the cheapest delivery option – so if you paid for a premium "next day" or "named day" service, you may not get all your money back.

If your delivery has taken more than 30 calendar days then you can legally cancel the contract and get a refund – regardless of whether you bought the product online or in store.

If you've waited less than that, it will mostly depend on when you placed the order.

Most shops will have cancellation policies in their terms and conditions, but you can also give the retailer a call to find out.

What can I do if my parcel is damaged?

It can be extremely frustrating when items arrive damaged.

Once again it is the retailer’s responsibility to make sure items arrive in good condition.

If you contact them about the damage they should either offer to send you a new item or refund you, regardless of the snow.

You can also get more advice on all your shopping rights, including how to complain if your delivery is stolen or left with a neighbour who denies having it on Which?.

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