Rückgaberechte

Rückgaberechte, also known as a right of return, refers to the right of a consumer to return purchased goods to a seller, typically within a specified period, and receive a refund or exchange. This right is not always a legal entitlement and often depends on the seller's policy or specific statutory provisions.

In many jurisdictions, particularly within the European Union, consumers benefit from specific legal Rückgaberechte for goods purchased online or off-premises. This is often referred to as a cooling-off period. During this period, consumers can return products without giving a reason. The duration of this period and the conditions under which it applies vary by country and the nature of the goods. For example, certain goods like personalized items or perishable products might be excluded from this right.

For goods purchased in physical stores, Rückgaberechte are generally determined by the individual retailer's return policy. While many stores offer returns as a customer service gesture, there is often no legal obligation to do so unless the product is faulty. If a product is defective or not as described, consumers usually have a legal right to a repair, replacement, or refund, regardless of the store's general return policy. It is advisable for consumers to familiarize themselves with the specific return policies of retailers before making a purchase.