Books, the new gold? Low interest rates, rising inflation. Consumers in Brandenburg are looking for investment opportunities - and are losing money in the process. The Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB) warned almost a year ago about dubious business practices in connection with the purchase of overpriced books at the living room table. The sales tricks of the currently very active representatives are diverse. Rico Dulinski, lawyer at VZB , explains the common scams.

What’s with these door-to-door book purchases?

Rico Dulinski : “The cases in which consumers are persuaded to buy supposedly valuable books are currently increasing sharply again in Brandenburg. The representatives offer supposedly valuable facsimiles. These are supposed to be elaborately manufactured, true-to-original replicas and reproductions of valuable books. In fact, these books are not worth a fraction of the price they sell for. We therefore strongly advise you to stay away from such offers!”

How are consumers persuaded to buy these books?

Rico Dulinski : “The sales-promoting argument is often that the books are supposedly a profitable investment of money, either as a start or to complete existing collections. Those affected report that providers sometimes charge more than 10,000 euros for such books or series of books. These prices are completely excessive. The chances of getting the money back through resale are close to zero.”

So the books are not suitable as investments at all?

Rico Dulinski : “A clear no! What is particularly perfidious is that consumers often do not have the large amounts of money that would be necessary to purchase the books. The enterprising representatives then persuade you to sign a corresponding loan agreement. This means that people have not only invested money in almost worthless books – they have also become indebted.”

Are there other offers besides books that you warn against?

Rico Dulinski : “The business model around buying books has since been expanded to include additional expensive services. If consumers want to sell their existing series of books, they are offered appropriate support through checking the books, an online presentation in registers and sometimes also putting them in contact with interested parties. Several thousand euros are also due for these services. We are not aware of any case in which a successful resale actually occurred. Rather, the alleged examination by the representatives regularly shows that supposed collections are not complete and therefore not for sale. There would supposedly be buyers for complete collections, which is why those affected are then persuaded to buy more books.”

If I have concluded a contract at the front door, I have a right of withdrawal, right?

Rico Dulinski : “Yes, that’s right. Contracts concluded outside of business premises can be canceled within 14 days. However, the right of withdrawal does not apply to the delivery of goods that are tailored to the personal needs of the consumer. Some offers stipulate that the books are labeled with the names of the buyers. This excludes any right of withdrawal because the books are individualized with the name.”

What advice do you have for people who need to be persuaded to make a home visit over the phone or when the representative knocks directly on the door?

Rico Dulinski : “Be sure to refuse sales visits to your front door. No representative comes to you to give you a gift! If this does happen, you should not attend such an appointment alone. Do not sign anything directly, but ask for time to think about it. You could buy a used car for the prices of these books: Nobody buys a used car without a TÜV inspection. Last but not least: If you have signed a contract, get independent advice immediately.”

Further tips on the subject of contract law can be found on the VZB website. If you have any questions about door-to-door transactions, consumers can seek regional consumer advice center

Source: Brandenburg Consumer Center

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