If I return, does a seller have to refund me for a product purchased on their site?

Title: Should a seller return a product purchased on their site?

SMS Conversation

- Did you receive the superb coffee machine ordered on the Internet?

- Yes, but I have just been offered the same! (panic smiley)

- So you're gonna send her back? (sorry smiley)

- Yes, I have to be reimbursed!

Received idea?

“The seller must refund me for the product purchased on their site in case of return.”

TRUE!

SP Response

This is not a conventional wisdom!

If you buy something on the internet, you can return it and get a refund: this is called the right of withdrawal.

This right allows you to try a product purchased online and change your mind if it's not right for you, without having to justify it.

This right is valid for purchases on a website in France or on the website of a company established in the European Union.

It shall apply even if the product is sold, used or removed from storage.

But be vigilant on the following 3 points.  

First point

This right is not unlimited in time.

You have 14 days to notify the seller of your withdrawal, by post or by email.

From this withdrawal, you have a further 14 days to return the product.

When the seller receives it, he in turn has 14 days to refund you.

2^e dot

This right of withdrawal is not valid for all goods.

Examples include custom-made products or products where you have removed the packaging or protective film.

Indeed, the item purchased must be returned in an impeccable condition. Otherwise, the merchant may:

- refuse reimbursement, or

- a discount, i.e. a reduction in the price reimbursed.

Nor does the right of withdrawal apply to services such as the purchase of a hotel night or a concert venue.

—

3^e period, when you return a product: the shipping costs are at your expense.

The seller must include this information on their site. If not, the shipping costs shall be borne by him. However, the seller may decide to assume them voluntarily, on a commercial basis.

In any case,

Before your future online purchases, read the terms and conditions.

Key Points

- For a purchase made on a French or European website, you can exercise a right of withdrawal for 14 days after receipt of the goods

- This right is not valid for certain goods or services

- The refund is subject to conditions

- The return costs are in principle at your expense