Withdrawal from a purchase

In case the consumer does not purchase a product or a service at the seller’s premises, for example through distance selling or contracts negotiated away from business premises (through a catalogue or through an on line auction or a tv selling), the consumer has a right of reassessment as he might have made that purchase without thinking or considering enough all its aspects. The right of withdrawal can be exercised by sending a recorded delivery letter with advise of delivery,  indicating the intention to withdraw from the contract, within 10 days from the purchase or from the  delivery  of the goods. Every information concerning the right of reassessment needs to be provided to  the consumer, otherwise he could benefit form a longer period to change his  mind about the purchase, without being obliged to provide any kind of explanation.

In case you have purchased a good at the seller’s premises (for example, in a shop), you are entitled to only return the defective products and the ones that are “not in conformity” with the offer (for example, in case the item is different from the way it was presented by the seller in the beginning). The consumer is entitled to do so, even during the sales. However, if you wish to change an item just because you have changed your mind about it, the seller is not obliged to change it or to refund the money; if he does that, it is just a spontaneous act of courtesy from him.

Do not forget that the purchase agreement should indicate all the relevant information on how to exercise the right of withdrawal (the name of the seller, the address, the telephone number etc.). The European Consumer Centre provides legal advice and assistance to contact the trader, with no charge for the consumer.