Were the Christmas presents not a hit this year? Then it makes sense to want to bring back what you bought and exchange it for something suitable. However, it is often not that simple.
“It is a widespread misconception that you can easily return defective goods,” says Olesja Jäger from the Hesse Consumer Center. Especially in retail, customers have no right to an exchange. Many retailers voluntarily grant a right of return. However, according to Jäger, they can decide whether to exchange the goods for other goods, issue a voucher in the amount of the purchase price or refund the purchase price.
The right of withdrawal does not always apply
The situation is different for goods that were ordered online: Here, buyers are guaranteed an exchange without giving reasons within 14 days of receiving the goods, says Swen Walentowski, lawyer and spokesman for “anwaltauskunft.de”. Who has to bear the costs for the return is stated in the small print.
Good to know: The 14-day right of withdrawal for online orders does not always apply. For example, individually made gifts cannot be returned. According to consumer advocate Jäger, goods from which any existing seal has been removed, as well as tickets for concerts or sporting events, are also excluded from revocation.
Receipt not mandatory
If a Christmas present is damaged, customers can request repairs from the retailer – regardless of whether the product was purchased online or in retail. According to Swen Walentowski, there is one exception: if the goods were sold at a reduced price due to this defect.
According to Walentowski, if the dealer cannot correct the error or the repair makes no sense, buyers can reduce the price or demand a refund of the purchase price.
By the way: A receipt is not necessarily required for the exchange. Attorney Walentowski points out that the bank statement, the price tag or an accompanying person who can witness the purchase in the store is sufficient.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:231227-99-418734/2
2024-03-02 08:43:32
#flop #exchange #Christmas #presents
