2024 winter sales: is it possible to get a refund or exchange a sale item?

During the sales, we indulge ourselves by buying items at knock-down prices. But these bargains don't always live up to their promises: is it possible to exchange a sale item or get a refund? Here's the lowdown.

The 2024 winter sales kick off on Wednesday January 10 and run until Tuesday February 4, 2024 in France. It's an opportunity to treat yourself and fill the gaps in your closet, while taking advantage of the best deals. But some of these purchases aren't always well chosen: a defect seen too late, an unsuitable size, a change of mind... In normal times, these new products you no longer want can be exchanged or refunded. But during the sales period, does this privilege still apply?

You may have seen in-store signs stating that sale items are "no returns, no refunds". Is this statement legal, or can we force the retailer to take back our purchase?

A document published by the Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes, on the website of the French Ministry of the Economy, specifies that "a sale item benefits from the same guarantees as any other item. Thus, the "no returns, no exchanges" advertisement sometimes found during sales periods does not exempt the retailer from exchanging or reimbursing the item in the event of hidden manufacturing defects. On theother hand, if the item purchased no longer suits you, or if the garment is not in your size but there are no hidden defects, the retailer is not legally bound to exchange it: he can do so on a purely commercial basis."

In other words, any product, even one on sale, must be reimbursed or exchanged by the retailer if it has a hidden defect. However, if the product has no defect, the store is under no legal obligation to take it back. However, many stores will exchange a product within 15 to 30 days of purchase. Conditions are usually stated at the checkout, at the time of payment.

Note that " a retailer is obliged to apply any exchange or refund provision he has advertised, in any form whatsoever. " If a store promises you an exchange or refund, whatever the period, then that store is obliged to carry out the transaction.

Finally, you should also know that online purchases " are subject to the same conditions and regulations as in-store purchases. In addition, whether or not the item is purchased on sale, you may return the product to the seller for exchange or refund, without penalty, within seven days of delivery. "

This rule applies to purchases made by telephone or post, but there are a few exceptions: you may not exercise your right of withdrawal in the case of customized products made to order, products that deteriorate or perish quickly (except food products), open CDs, DVDs and computer software...

During sales periods, it's best to be cautious and avoid impulse purchases that you won't be able to get rid of later!

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2024 winter sales: is it possible to get a refund or exchange a sale item?

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