Never do the cash registers sound sweeter than in the run-up to Christmas. Despite the war in Ukraine, the corona crisis and inflation, the shopping streets and shopping centers in Austria are well visited. The countdown to the festival is already running, many are getting the last presents. But what to do if you make a mistake and what rights are there for damaged items? We tell you here what the guarantee, warranty, etc. looks like.
Before Christmas is after Christmas: The AK gives tips for trading etc. The Christ child should know this:
- No right to exchange: There is no legal right of exchange. Many dealers will voluntarily allow a trade. The exchange is usually on the bill, if not, please note it down. If you exchange something, you can usually choose another product. Money is usually not returned. If you don’t find anything, you usually get a voucher. Time limits are often impermissible. Anyone who orders online has a 14-day right of withdrawal.
- Gift for defects – warranty applies: If the gift has a defect, there is a legal right to warranty. Provided that the defect was already there at the time of purchase or transfer. The retailer must then repair or replace the goods free of charge for up to two years after purchase. If this is not possible, a price reduction can be demanded or – if there is no minor defect – the money can be reclaimed. The dealer (not the manufacturer) is responsible. Claim defects in writing and registered.
- Warranty voluntary: The warranty is a voluntary commitment, usually by the manufacturer, but can also be the dealer. It is a contractually agreed acceptance of liability – without a corresponding warranty statement, there is therefore no warranty claim.
- Restrictions on vouchers are often impermissible: Vouchers are generally valid for 30 years. A shortening is possible – but only with a valid justification from the entrepreneur. Limits of two to three years are usually not allowed. Problematic: if the issuer of the voucher goes bankrupt, the vouchers are de facto worthless. In the case of a bankruptcy claim, filing the claim is often not worthwhile due to the low quota and court costs.
- 14 days reflection period to buy online: For online purchases, a right of withdrawal of 14 days always applies. Exceptions: e.g. goods specially made according to the customer’s wishes, mugs with an individual print or concert tickets. If you are not well informed about the right of withdrawal, the period will be extended by twelve months.
- Stay away from unknown stores: If you don’t know a retailer, google the website. If the opinions are mostly negative or if there are no search results, shop elsewhere. At fakeshop.at/shopcheck you can have providers checked for seriousness.
- Note the imprint: Look at the “Imprint”, “About us” or “Contact”. Suspicious: You will not find any dealer details, only a contact form. Suppliers from, for example, China or the US may charge additional customs or exchange costs when paying.
- Attention, bargain: Very cheap prices from unknown providers are an indication of a fake shop. Compare prices on price comparison platforms, for example geizhals.at, idealo.at, … If the price is significantly below the “market price”, then the alarm bells should ring.
- Pay in advance – just leave: Stay away if you can only prepay at an online store, with cryptocurrencies, via money transfer service providers (e.g. Western Union, MoneyGram), or retailer gift cards.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
