Last-minute tips

What Christmas children should know when buying presents

There are a few things to bear in mind when buying Christmas presents: There is no statutory right of exchange. If you order online, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Beware of very cheap online prices - there is usually a catch. Time limits are often not permitted for vouchers. Find out what else applies to exchanges, vouchers etc. here.

 

 

Please note the following when buying gifts in stores:

• No right of exchange: There is no statutory right of exchange. Many retailers voluntarily grant an exchange - this is usually stated on the invoice. If not, have it noted on the invoice.
• Gift with defects - warranty applies: If the gift has a defect, there is a legal right to a warranty. Provided the defect was already present at the time of purchase or at the time of 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 demanded or - if the defect is not minor - the money can be demanded back. Your retailer (not the manufacturer) is responsible. There are no formal requirements, but for documentation purposes, please submit any defects in writing by registered mail.

• Voluntary guarantee: The guarantee is a voluntary promise, usually made by the manufacturer.
• Time limits are often not permitted for vouchers: Vouchers are generally valid for 30 years. A shortening is possible - but only with a valid justification from the company. For example, time limits of two to three years are usually not permitted. Problematic: If the voucher issuer goes bankrupt, the vouchers are de facto worthless. In the case of a bankruptcy claim, it is often not worth filing the claim in view of the low quotas and court costs. Vouchers should therefore be redeemed soon.

The following should be noted for online purchases:

• 14 days to consider: For online purchases, there is generally a 14-day right of withdrawal. Exceptions: for example, cups with individual imprints or concert tickets. If you are not properly informed about the right of withdrawal, the period is extended by twelve months. Please note that extended return periods until well after Christmas are not regulated by law and are voluntary!
• Avoid unknown stores: If you don't know a retailer, google their website. Check what others say about a store, whether it accepts different forms of payment and whether it is conspicuously cheap. There is usually something fishy going on. Check fakeshop.at/shopcheck to see if you are dealing with a fraudulent provider.

• Pay in advance - always dangerous: Stay away if you can only pay in advance at an online store using cryptocurrencies, money transfer service providers (such as Western Union, MoneyGram) or voucher cards for other retailers. This is usually a fake store.
• Pay attention to the legal notice: Look at the "Imprint", "About us" or "Contact". Suspicious: You won't find any retailer details, just a contact form. Suppliers from China or the USA, for example, may charge additional customs fees or exchange rate fees on payment.