Who doesn’t know? In a city trip abroad, the bag is more loose, there is uninhibited shopping. But what really happens when I only notice at home that my new clothes don’t fit me well or even have defects? Can I exchange what I bought from big chains in Barcelona, Rome or London in Germany? STYLEBOOK clarifies the most important questions about the refund process.
In general, the return and exchange conditions are governed by law in Germany (§433, 437 of the German Civil Code). This means that there is no basic right to trade in store-bought clothes. However, German contract law offers exceptions for defects and other deviations. Can I return clothes bought abroad here? STYLEBOOK clarifies the rights during the exchange.
How do the exchange and return periods work?
While you don’t have to justify the return, when it comes to a bad fashion buy, you do depend on the goodwill of the merchant or seller. As a rule, however, this rarely leads to problems: Most retailers and large chains such as H&M, Zara & Co. offer a right of return and withdrawal at the time of purchase and are therefore also legally binding on the retailer. However, deadlines of 14 days, four weeks or one year are usually indicated and only on presentation of the receipt. Important: The dealer is more likely to accept an exchange if the part has not been worn and the original tag has not been removed. When asked about STYLEBOOK, H&M referred to the Terms and conditions. However, he explained that “customers have a 28-day right of exchange … but items can only be returned to the country where they were purchased.”
Also interesting: what happens to the returned clothes?
Bought in another European country, returning clothes here?
If you’re hoping that domestic returns apply to Christmas shopping, you won’t be disappointed with H&M in terms of general terms and conditions alone. That’s how you read about Zadar homepagethat only goods “in the same country/region where you made the purchase, which has the department to which the item belongs” can be exchanged. Fashion chain Mango also formulates this clearly. “Mango accepts exchanges and refunds of the purchase price of unworn and unwashed garments located in the country where the garments were purchased, upon presentation of the receipt.”
After all: as a company with a branch network in many European countries Bijou Brigitte in front of STYLEBOOK. “On presentation of the receipt or booking receipt and as soon as the item can be assigned to the Bijou Brigitte range, we will be happy to exchange it. Of course, this also applies to the exchange of items purchased during a holiday trip”.
Is the exchange also valid for discounted goods or worn shoes?
There is no difference. Whether the dealer exchanges reduced goods or not is a voluntary service. Therefore, the note “Reduced goods are not returnable” is his right. Buying shoes and wearing them for days only to realize they aren’t comfortable and want to return them? It does not work! So if you want to test the new kicks, you should only do it in your own four walls.
Also interesting: Can I complain about a bad tattoo?
What if I discover defects later and can I insist on cash?
If the garment or accessory is damaged, defective or not as advertised, the customer has the legal right to a replacement or a refund of the purchase price. Since the exchange is a gesture of goodwill anyway, smaller companies in particular often reserve the right to exchange the goods only for another product or a goods voucher instead of paying back in cash.
Do I always have to present a receipt?
In general, it is advisable to keep all receipts. If the relevant receipt no longer exists, proof of when and where the product was purchased must be provided. Strictly speaking, a witness who was present at the time of purchase is sufficient. For larger purchases it is always better to pay by card: bank or credit card statements are worth the same as a receipt.
