Suddenly you are faced with inferior goods, a completely different product or simply junk. Return shipping is expensive and only possible to China? Don't worry because in this article we will show you what you can do in such a case. Our partners at Watchlist Internet will show you what you can do in this case.

What is a problematic online store?

A problematic online shop is not necessarily a fake shop. As a rule, you actually receive goods delivered. The problem, however, is that it is often inferior and does not meet your expectations.

Most problematic online shops are companies outside the EU or in Asia. These shops may also have an Austrian or German headquarters, but only deliver from China. The problem here is that the website often does not clearly communicate where the goods are delivered from and where they have to be sent in the event of a return.

What is particularly annoying is that problematic online shops often refuse returns, make them difficult or unattractive. They simply ignore your cancellation and your request for a return label, do not provide a clear return address or scare you off with high return costs. Instead, they offer you a price reduction to “satisfy” you.

These problems are particularly common with “dropshipping” and “China shops”. Dropshipping is the direct delivery of goods from the warehouse (usually in China for problematic offers) to the consumer. This means that the operators of the online shop have never seen the goods on offer. You can find out more about problematic dropshipping here .

How to recognize a problematic online shop

  • Based outside the EU: Caution is advised if the online shop is based outside the EU. When an order is placed or there are problems, it is hardly possible to enforce rights such as the right of withdrawal or warranty. Defective or damaged products will only be replaced or refunded in exceptional cases - this also applies to inferior or incorrectly delivered products.
  • Returns: Always check the website for return information. To which address must the return be sent and do I have to pay the shipping costs myself? Attention: Returns are not always made to the address stated in the legal notice. If you cannot find clear or contradictory information, it is better not to order.
  • Delivery from Asia: For deliveries from Asia you have to expect very long delivery times and sometimes even customs fees. Returning items to Asia is also very expensive.
  • Reviews: If you are ordering from an online store for the first time, you should always read the reviews beforehand. Often you have already been warned.
  • Check out our list: In addition to our list of fraudulent online shops, we also keep a list of problematic online shops . You can also use our fake shop detector , which warns you of fraudulent and problematic offers.

Please note that internet addresses ending in .at or .de do not automatically mean that you are based in Austria or Germany. .at or .de domains are used by many shops that deliver from China.

Here's what you can do to get your money back

Step 1: Contact the online shop

  • Inform the company that you want to withdraw from the contract and request a return label.
  • If you have received an inferior or defective product, the online shop should cover the return shipping costs. Unfortunately, problematic shops often do not comply with legal regulations.
  • If you do not receive a return label, we advise you not to return to China. The return shipping costs are very high and it is not certain that you will get your money back.
  • We know from experience that problematic shops do not respond to your demands. However, in order to claim the money back via the payment service provider (see step 2), it is important that you contact the shop, as you will usually have to prove that you have contacted the shop.

Step 2: Request money back via payment service providers

  • Payment by credit card: Contact your credit card company and explain the situation. Ask if a chargeback is possible. State “No delivery of goods” or “Delivery of counterfeit or incorrect goods” as the reason. In many cases, a chargeback is made by the credit card company for service reasons.
  • Payment via PayPal: Request your money back via PayPal Buyer Protection . Before you can take advantage of buyer protection, you must have reported dispute with the company
  • Payment via Klarna: Log in to the Klarna customer portal . If you have chosen to purchase on account, suspend payment and report the problem. Remain adamant if Klarna continues to demand money. If you receive a reminder or a letter from a debt collection agency, stop the reminders and let them know that you are refusing to pay. Here you can find more tips on what you can do if you have a problem with Klarna.

Advice & help

For specific advice requests, please contact the relevant offices that Watchlist Internet has listed for you Advice & Help

Source:

Watchlist Internet

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