The consumer advocates accused the providers of “refurbished” products of misleading advertising with fictitious price advantages, greenwashing with questionable environmental statements and the illegal use of advertising cookies. Two companies have issued a cease and desist declaration. The vzbv has filed a lawsuit against an operator based in the Netherlands.
“Buying used equipment is actually a good thing. However, providers often advertise that purchasing a renewed cell phone or laptop saves CO 2 and avoids electronic waste.
Susanne Einsiedler, legal officer at vzbv
That is not right. It is also annoying when unrealistically high price advantages are advertised.”
Greenwashing
- “CO2 emissions are reduced by 70 percent.”
- “100 percent climate neutral.”
- “100 percent sustainable.”
- “194 grams less electronic waste.”
These are some of the many questionable claims that providers use to promote the purchase of refurbished products. 2 are also generated when refurbishing used devices , for example by replacing batteries and other parts.
However, you will largely find in vain what measures companies take to minimize harmful environmental impacts when renewing devices, selling them and shipping them on their websites. According to the vzbv, this is misleading.
Striking prices suggest high price savings
The online shops that were warned advertised high discounts when purchasing a renewed device. Immediately next to the asking price was a much higher crossed out price. It remained unclear whether the striking price referred to the price previously charged by the dealer, that for a used or a new device, or another price.
An online shop offered a renewed smartphone for 275 euros with an alleged price saving of 69 percent compared to the crossed-out price of 909 euros. This is roughly how expensive the device was listed on the manufacturer's website when it went on sale in 2019. The device is currently being offered new by dealers on the Internet starting at 424.50 euros and used from 242 euros.
Cookies stored without permission
The companies that were warned also did not take the protection of privacy very seriously. They stored cookies on customers’ devices for advertising and analytics purposes without first obtaining the necessary consent. One company even used advertising cookies after their use had been expressly rejected.
Two companies issued cease and desist declarations
Two of the three companies warned showed understanding, issued a cease-and-desist declaration and changed their website. vzbv has filed a lawsuit against the company based in the Netherlands.
Consumers in France were also affected by these business practices. The French consumer organization UFC-Que Choisir has therefore filed a lawsuit against one of these companies.
Article image: pexels
Source: Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv)
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