If I want to buy my gifts online: What should I consider when choosing an online shop?
Michele Scherer:
- Always research whether the store is trustworthy before clicking “buy.”
- Is there an imprint?
- Is the price perhaps too cheap to be true?
- What do other users say in reviews, especially outside of the shop's website itself?
- And, also very important: Where is the shop located and where should the goods be returned if you don’t like them?”
Why this?
Scherer : “We are currently receiving an increasing number of complaints from consumers who have bought supposed bargains online and are disappointed by the quality of the goods. If you want to send them back, you will notice that they have to be sent back to the Far East and consumers have to bear the usually very high costs themselves. To avoid this unpleasant surprise, it helps to take a look at the legal notice and also a quick check of the return policy or cancellation policy. If you can't find any information about where the goods have to be sent back to and whether you have to pay the return shipping costs yourself, it's better not to buy them."
What should I know when shopping for gifts at the Christmas market?
Scherer: “Don’t forget your receipt! The address of the dealer should also be noted on it. Because if the goods turn out to be defective after Christmas and you want to complain about them, you need to know who to contact after the market has closed down.”
Are there legal differences when shopping in store and online?
Scherer: “Yes. You can generally return goods purchased online , although this does not apply to products that were custom-made at the consumer's request, such as a self-made photo calendar. You have no legal right of withdrawal when purchasing in-store. The retailer decides whether, for how long and under what conditions you are allowed to exchange or return goods purchased in the store. So ask before purchasing. It's best to think carefully in advance about which gifts for your loved ones are suitable for the holiday. This way you avoid unnecessary returns and unwanted gifts under the Christmas tree.”
And how do I find the perfect gift?
Scherer: “Good question. A good gift should definitely be enjoyed for longer and should not be left in the corner straight after Christmas, as that would be unsustainable. If you're not sure what you like, a voucher can be a good alternative. You can also make this yourself. This way you don't run the risk of problems later, for example regarding the redemption deadline or any remaining amounts. Particularly beautiful, sustainable and guaranteed risk-free because it can neither be lost in the post nor exchanged: give the gift of time together.”
Source:
Brandenburg Consumer Center
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