Christmas presents: Exchange rights and goodwill - This is what you need to know!
Find out everything about exchange rights, return regulations and consumer questions after Christmas in the ORF article.

Christmas presents: Exchange rights and goodwill - This is what you need to know!
Christmas 2024 has once again delighted many people with gifts and vouchers. Loud orf.at The average value of the vouchers was around 100 euros, while the envelopes usually contained even 200 euros. In stores, it is increasingly observed that customers are willing to spend more than originally planned, indicating positive consumer sentiment. However, a key issue that concerns many consumers after the holidays is how to deal with gifts that do not meet expectations or are not liked.
Exchange: A common misconception
Although many people think they have a legal right to exchange, this is often a misconception. The legal regulations are clear: In stationary retail, the principle “bought is bought” applies. This means that there is usually no right of withdrawal, such as vzhh.de explained. Consumers who say “I don’t want that” can usually only hope for the goodwill of the retailer. The only exception is online trading, where buyers have a right of withdrawal of 14 days.
In addition, the terms guarantee and warranty are often confused. The guarantee is a voluntary service by the manufacturer, while the warranty is a legal right that allows you to withdraw from the purchase if the product is defective. Bettina Stepwieser from the Styrian Chamber of Labor explains that this distinction is important for many buyers in order to best use their rights.
In the wake of the holidays, many people tend not to return gifts they don't like, but instead resell them on online marketplaces like Willhaben or eBay. These platforms see a noticeable increase in sales ads after Christmas, up to 40 percent, underlining the continued importance of online trading.