[ad_1]
To avoid the risk of infection when going to the store and the mall, perhaps more people have chosen to buy Christmas gifts in online stores this year.
But you don’t always get the gift the way you thought, and then there are a few things to keep in mind, says the head of consumer dialogue at the Consumer Council, Pia C. Høst.
CHANGE QUICKLY: Pia Cecilie Høst is Head of Consumer Dialogue at the Consumers Council Photo: Consumers Council
Save to receipt
– If you buy online, it is important to check the terms in the online store. When buying online, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal. If the gift is not what you expected, you can regret it and get a refund of the purchase price.
Because basically you do not have the right to change if you buy in an online store. Therefore, it may be wise for the person giving the gift to save on the receipt.
– If you are gifting gifts purchased online, you should save on the receipt and tell the recipient you have it in case there is anything. Also save on any return forms and original packaging if it is suitable for a possible return, Høst advises.
Remember the cancellation period
But be aware of the attack deadline, Høst says.
– Fourteen days can quickly be too short a time if you buy the gift well in advance. Therefore, it is advisable to check if online stores have extended exchange or return schemes in relation to the Christmas holidays.
The right of withdrawal is the same for all stores in Norway and the EU / EEA countries. Outside these limits, other rules may apply.
BUY ONLINE: Save on a return receipt and receipt, says Høst. Photo: Christina Honningsvåg
– If you buy from online stores outside the EU, the terms of the store apply and you can risk paying both customs and VAT in addition to shipping.
For several stores they charge to send the item in exchange. However, there are also more and more examples of stores that have free merchandise returns.
Many online stores also have physical stores. Here, many are flexible in returning products purchased online, even if this is not determined by law.
You don’t always have the right to change
An earlier Consumer Council survey shows that as many as six in ten Norwegians exchange one or more of the gifts they received for Christmas. But do you always have the right to exchange goods?
– No, answer the autumn.
– The main rule for items purchased in a physical store is that you do not have the right to redeem them automatically. Therefore, it is wise to ask about this and ask for a change tag when shopping for gifts.
She says that at Christmas it’s quite common for stores to accept changes, but that it’s still smart to order a replacement tag. It is the store’s own rules that apply, and they may vary from store to store.
EXCHANGE LABEL: Remember to ask for a change label if you shop at a store, advises the Consumer Council. Photo: Christina Honningsvåg
If there’s no trade-off tag on the gift you want to trade, you may still be in luck, Høst says.
– As a general rule of thumb, you can always exchange Christmas gifts, so it’s definitely worth a try even if you don’t have an exchange tag.
You can also see if stores offer guarantees.
– Nowadays you very often get good guarantees, such as open purchases, where you get your money back. Or satisfaction guarantee where you can even change the item after use. This is an additional service that stores provide to get more customers, Høst says.
Replace ASAP
Can you expect to get your money back or a credit note from the seller?
– The most common is that you can exchange it for another item or obtain a credit note. You are not entitled to a refund.
Advice on changes from the Consumer Council:
- The item must be able to be sold as new, so do not remove the original packaging or labels.
- Take care of the change tag and take everything with you to the store during Christmas.
- Save on receipts and return receipts from online stores.
- Remember change deadline and cancellation deadline.
- It is advisable to change as soon as possible.
And remember that items bought on sale often cannot be exchanged.
– Many stores do not accept the exchange of gifts bought on sale, but you can give it a try. Then I would recommend a broad smile and kindly ask if it is possible to change.
Stores like to set Christmas as the bargaining deadline. This year, the Conselleria de Consumidores has encouraged businesses to give up the right to exchange throughout the month of January and not only at Christmas to prevent the risk of contagion. But if you miss this deadline, there may still be opportunities, Høst says.
– Many stores provide good service, so it doesn’t hurt to ask nicely if you can get the change even if the deadline has passed.
