In an increasingly digital-first world, UK consumers are spending more on subscriptions, e-books, and online films than ever before. But a pressing question arises: when you click 'buy', do you actually own the item? According to financial expert and MoneyMagpie Editor Vicky Parry, the answer is often a surprising no.
The Illusion of Ownership in Digital Purchases
Most consumers assume that purchasing a digital product grants them permanent ownership. However, Vicky Parry explains that you are typically buying a licence to use the item, not the item itself. This critical distinction means retailers retain the right to remove the product from sale or even from your library.
For instance, if you buy an e-book on a platform like Kindle, you have purchased a licence. Should that book be updated or archived by the publisher, it may vanish or change the next time you sync your device. The same principle applies to films bought on streaming platforms; unless the purchase allows you to download a file for use outside the platform's ecosystem, your access could be revoked at any time.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Purchases
Being a savvy digital consumer requires vigilance. Firstly, always check the fine print on the platforms you use. It may be more cost-effective to rent a film temporarily or find it on a subscription service you already pay for.
Secondly, see if you are permitted to download the digital product off the closed-loop platform, such as a Kindle. Saving the file externally can be the only way to truly 'own' it. Furthermore, be aware of your statutory rights. When buying online, whether digital or physical, you generally have 14 days to change your mind and get a refund. An important exception for digital content is if the retailer warns that you waive this cooling-off period once a download begins.
If a digital product is faulty, you have a 'reasonable expectation of use', which is assumed to be six months. Within this period, you can claim a refund, repair, or replacement, after which the burden of proof shifts to you.
The Resurgence of Physical Media and Hidden Pitfalls
This uncertainty has fuelled a nostalgic return to physical media like vinyl, CDs, and DVDs. The appeal is clear: once you buy a physical item, it is unequivocally yours. No one can alter its content or lock it behind a future paywall.
However, the initial outlay is often higher than a digital purchase, and consumers must stay alert. Some physical products come with hidden digital caveats. Parry highlights the example of some home printers that are cheap to buy but lock functionality if you stop paying for a proprietary ink subscription service, rendering the device useless even with ink inside.
To navigate this, be selective. Buy physical copies of special editions, beloved series, or films you'll re-watch. For one-off items, digital may suffice. To save money, consider buying second-hand from shops like CEX or charity shops, where you can find out-of-print gems for a fraction of the original price. Using cashback websites and online discount codes for physical products can also keep costs down.
Ultimately, understanding the difference between buying a licence and buying an asset is crucial for modern consumers. As Vicky Parry outlines, knowing your rights and reading the small print is the best defence in a marketplace where what you pay for isn't always what you get to keep.
