Last minute tips – What Christmas children need to know when buying gifts

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying gifts at the store:

• No right to exchange: There is no legal right to exchange. Many retailers allow voluntary exchanges – this is usually stated on the invoice. If not, let it be noted.
• Defective gift – warranty applies: If the gift shows a defect, there is a legal right to a warranty. Provided the defect was already present at the time of purchase or delivery. The retailer must 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 requested or – provided there is no minor defect – the money can be reclaimed. Your dealer (not the manufacturer) is responsible. There are no formal requirements, but for documentation purposes please report defects in writing and by registered mail.

• Voluntary guarantee: The warranty is a voluntary commitment, usually from the manufacturer.
• Restrictions on vouchers are often not allowed: Vouchers are usually valid for 30 years. A reduction is possible – but only if the entrepreneur provides a valid justification. Restrictions of two to three years are generally not allowed. Problematic: If the voucher issuer goes bankrupt, the vouchers are de facto worthless. In the case of a bankruptcy claim, it is often not worthwhile to file the claim due to the low rates and legal costs. Therefore, vouchers should be redeemed soon.

When purchasing online, you should take the following into account:

• 14 days think: Online purchases usually have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Exceptions: such as cups with individual printing or concert tickets. If you are not properly informed about your right of withdrawal, the period will be extended by twelve months. Please note, extended return periods until well after Christmas are not legally regulated and are voluntary!
• Avoid unknown stores: If you don’t know a dealer, google the website. See what others say about a store, whether it accepts different payment methods, and whether it is noticeably cheap. Usually something is wrong there. Check at fakeshop.at/shopcheck whether you are dealing with a fraudulent provider.

• Prepayment – always dangerous: Stay away if you can only pay in advance with cryptocurrencies, through money transfer service providers (such as Western Union, MoneyGram) or voucher cards for other retailers in an online store. This is usually a fake store.
• Please note the print: Look at “Imprint”, “About us” or “Contact”. Suspicious: you will not find any store information, only a contact form. For example, suppliers from China or the US may charge additional customs fees or exchange rate fees when paying.