Etämyyntisopimus

Etämyyntisopimus, or remote sales agreement, is a contract formed when a purchase is concluded without face‑to‑face contact between buyer and seller. The concept is regulated by Finland’s Act on Consumer Protection and the Act on the Sale of Goods. The agreement can arise through various channels, including telephone, internet, mail order, or other electronic means. Under the law, the remote sale is treated the same as an opening sale if the buyer has a “right of withdrawal” within fourteen days, unless the good is custom‑made or perishable.

To be valid, the seller must provide the buyer with clear information about price, delivery terms, right of withdrawal, and any guarantees. The seller is also required to supply a written contract or explicit confirmation of the agreement, usually delivered electronically. The buyer must have the opportunity to review all information before completing the purchase, and must have a means to cancel the order within the statutory period.

The rights of the consumer are extensive. The buyer may refuse the product, return it, or cancel the contract without incurring any penalties, provided the product is used in a normal way and is inspected promptly. Sellers are obliged to supply warranties and must handle returns in accordance with the contractual terms and consumer protection statutes.

Large retailers and e‑commerce platforms frequently incorporate ETÄMYNTISOPIMUS clauses into their terms of service. However, any clause that attempts to limit the buyer’s withdrawal period or entirely abolishes it is deemed unenforceable. Proper adherence to the statutes protects both parties and ensures that remote transactions remain fair and transparent.