Purchase of goods
A purchase is a binding agreement between the seller and the consumer. Specific protective rules apply to consumer purchases.
Consumer purchases
A consumer purchase is when a person buys tangible goods – general goods bought for daily use, household appliances, cars, clothes, furniture and more – from a seller whose business is sales. Special rules apply to the purchase and sale of real estate and services.
Rights and obligations at a glance
Do not pay for goods you have not ordered
If goods are sent to a consumer who has not purchased or ordered such goods, no payment need be made for them. In the case of a consumer not responding to a sales offer within a specified period, a purchase agreement has not been established. Such a lack of response cannot be regarded as a silent consent.
Know the price
If the price has not been negotiated, the buyer must pay the price stated. The general rule is that pricing is unrestricted. The stated price shall always be the final price to the consumer – VAT and any other fees, however they are called, shall be included in the price.
Immediate payment
If there is no agreement on when and how to pay the purchase price, the consumer must pay the seller when he demands it, but generally not until the item is delivered or the consumer can dispose of it. Before paying the purchase price, the consumer must inspect the item.
No additional payments
If a consumer has, in good faith, purchased goods or services at a price that was too low, the seller cannot demand additional payment.
No right to return
When purchasing goods in a shop, the buyer has no right to return the goods unless otherwise negotiated. In distance sales, however, the consumer has 14 days to withdraw from the purchase without providing a reason and to have the goods refunded.
Complain as soon as possible!
If an item proves to be defective or if the seller has provided misleading information, the consumer is responsible for complaining as soon as possible, preferably within two months from the date that he or she became aware of the defect. The final deadline for submitting a complaint about a defect is generally 2 years. The deadline is 5 years if the lifetime of the product is estimated to be longer than is generally the case.
Keep receipts!
In order to complain about a defect the buyer must be able to prove the transaction took place. The simplest method is to show the receipt.
Consumer claims
The consumer may claim for the repair of defects, new delivery, a discount, the termination of the purchase agreement, and compensation, as well as to defer payment.
Only two attempts
The seller is not entitled to try to remedy a defect or deliver a new product relating to the same defect more than twice.
Examination fee
The consumer may have to pay an examination fee for a defect analysis if the defect is not apparent, only however, if the seller has demanded payment of such fee in advance.
Links of interest
Service provider
The Consumer Agency