We resolve doubts about payments, returns, warranties and other matters

After Christmas and Epiphany, a special period for companies is starting again these days, that of The sales.

While many online stores have already started sales and adapted their digital stores, most physical stores will see the movement begin this Monday.

However, before we start the race, it is worth taking a few things into account recommendations. Leire Alberdilawyer of the consumer association EKA, explained these recommendations in Euskadi Irratia, together with the main legal keys that regulate discounts and the rights that both the purchasing and selling parties have.

What are the sales legally?

“To sell, on certain days, for reduced prices, the products that a store sells at normal prices. We would call that period what The Sales is, and like most things, They are also regulated by law“, which stipulates, among other things, that the duration of the said period must be clearly and explicitly stated, as well as the rules under which it will operate during that period.

In addition, to be able to say that a store is on sale, at least half of the products in that store they must have a discount. In Alberdi’s words: “There may be other reasons for the promotion, such as having to close the store, having to bring new products to change the display, etc. But we could not consider it as a sale period.”

What prices should be displayed?

They have to show up two prizes on product labels. The lowest price it was in the last 30 dayswhich we will consider as normal price, and the reduction that this price has suffered and the new price. “It’s always a good idea to see what the price of that product was last month.” From there comes the basic recommendation: Foresight. “It is always advisable to make a list of the things we need before we go shopping,” Alberdi emphasizes.

Can the company prohibit us from paying by card?

‘Yes, according to the law the merchant is not obligated to charge the card. Moreover, you can set minimum spending limits, at least €10 or whatever,” he emphasizes. That’s up to each seller to decide. “It is true that nowadays it is completely normal to be able to pay by card.” Alberdi points out, but in this case it is advisable, since the law is on the side of the trader please ask before you buy whether it is possible to pay by card or not.

Whether you pay by cash or card, the customer always has access right to receive a ticket or invoice.

What guarantees do the products we buy have?

According to the law, the New products They have a guarantee of three yearsand second-hand warranties may not be shorter than one year.

Furthermore, as Alberdi emphasizes, “it is absolutely forbidden to sell damaged products at a discount, that is, at a lower price because they are damaged.” Make it clear that the product must be in perfect condition, with all its features.

How can I make returns in physical and online stores?

In ours online shoppinglegally speaking, we have a period of 14 days it is natural to be able to return any product, without having to indicate the reason for return. As long as we return the product in the condition it was in when we purchased it, the company must refund our money.

In the physical stores the rules are different. This is even the case in the physical store the retailer is not obliged to accept the return“only if the product has a manufacturer’s defect,” Alberdi explains.

The trader determines the rules: if he accepts the return, if he does not accept it or if he issues a voucher with the value of the product. In any case, Alberdi reminds that “if a physical store has accepted returns all year round and does not accept them during the sale, it must indicate that.”