Can we return the Christmas present?

Christmas gifts are an inseparable part of the holiday. We like to get and give gifts, which is shown by the annual data on Polish Christmas spending. However, it may happen that the gift will not appeal to the recipient's taste. Let's remember that Polish law in some cases allows us to return an incorrect gift to the store. When can we take advantage of this opportunity?

Books, cosmetics, perfumes and sweets are gifts that Poles usually give to their loved ones - according to the report "Zakupy święte święte 2017" ("Christmas shopping 2017"), carried out by Deloitte consulting company. Year after year, computer games, jewellery and watches are also increasingly often included in the gift basket. According to the research, Poles will spend almost 900 PLN on this year's Christmas, of which 451 PLN will be spent on gifts. Remember that every Christmas purchase for our loved ones should be well thought out, because not every shop offers us the possibility of returning the purchased goods.

Returns in online shops

Nearly half of Poles will buy this year's Christmas presents in online shops, and every fifth respondent will use a mobile phone for this purpose. Among the products we most often buy online are multimedia, modern technologies and articles for the home. The least popular are food products, cosmetics and clothing. Shopping in online shops is so popular among Poles not only because of the ease of transactions, but above all because of the possibility to return the goods.

- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2014, anyone who has concluded a distance purchase agreement may withdraw from it within 14 calendar days without giving any reason. To meet the deadline, it is sufficient to send a statement before the deadline. In addition, more and more stores are extending this deadline for the sake of their consumers," says Zuzanna Kopaczynska-Grabiec, Director of the Legal and Compliance Department in Wonga, Poland. - The obligation to withdraw from the contract in due time does not only lie with the buyer. The seller is also obliged to return all payments made by us, i.e. the value of the goods and the shipment, to us no later than 14 calendar days after receiving our declaration. However, it most often happens that the costs of sending the shipment back to the seller are borne by the consumer - adds Zuzanna Kopaczynska-Grabiec.

Returns in stationary stores

Poles still enjoy shopping in stationary stores - more than 60 percent of us will buy Christmas gifts - according to the Deloitte study. Poles will decide to buy food and drinks, health and beauty products and things for home. Almost 80% will choose this form because of the possibility of professional advice and immediate receipt of the purchased goods. However, despite these facilities, we should remember that it is not always possible to return a product purchased in a stationary store.

- Returns in traditional shops are possible only with the consent of the seller. However, more and more often larger establishments meet the expectations of customers and allow for the return or exchange of purchased goods. These conditions are determined by the seller and there is no law in Polish law governing this issue," says Zuzanna Kopaczynska-Grabiec, Director of the Legal and Compliance Department in Wonga, Poland. - Therefore, before buying a gift, it is worth asking the seller whether it is possible to return it in case it is not to the liking of the person we gave it to," adds Zuzanna Kopaczynska-Grabiec.

The most common practice is to allow the consumer to return the purchased goods within 30 days of purchase. However, it is worth noting whether this applies to all products or only to those of full value.

- Remember that the basis for returning a purchased product in stationary and online shops is to have a proof of purchase. It can be a receipt, an invoice, a bank statement or an eyewitness," says Zuzanna Kopaczynska-Grabiec, Director of the Legal and Compliance Department in Wonga, Poland.

Complaints about purchased goods

When buying madness it is worthwhile to watch carefully whether we are not buying damaged or dirty goods. If we have already purchased such a product, we can advertise it with the seller.

- A complaint is a right of every consumer who has purchased a product which is not in conformity with the contract, e.g. with a hidden defect. This defect may become apparent when the item is used by us, so the advertised goods may bear traces of use," says Zuzanna Kopaczynska-Grabiec from Wonga in Poland. - It is worth remembering that we cannot immediately demand a cash refund from the seller, a consumer with a successful complaint must choose between free repair or exchange of goods - he adds.