Exchange Christmas presents - these are your rights

Exchanging Christmas gifts is almost as much a part of Christmas as buying them. However, returning unloved Christmas gifts is not always easy. You can find out what there is to consider when exchanging gifts in this practical tip.

Exchanging Christmas presents - you have to be aware of that

The exchange of purchased goods is clearly regulated by law. It does not matter whether it is a gift or not:

• Basically, a store does not have to take back the goods sold if you were able to personally inspect the items before buying them. Of course, this does not apply to justified complaints.
• The legal situation is different when you have ordered the goods, such as when shopping online. Since you could not have a direct look at the article, you have a legal 14-day return policy. Some online shops even grant a longer exchange period, such as Amazon with 30 days.
• However, the fourteen-day exchange period has a small catch with regard to Christmas gifts: The statutory right of withdrawal of 14 days begins exactly at the moment the buyer has accepted the package. Christmas gifts are usually ordered early. Therefore, it may already be too late for an exchange for the recipient.
• In plain language, this means: From a purely legal point of view, you have rather bad cards if you want to exchange a Christmas gift. However, the large retail chains are usually very accommodating when it comes to exchanging goods. There are also special exchange rules for Christmas. It is important that you return the goods without any signs of wear and in the original packaging. Likewise, you will not be spared asking the buyer for the receipt, as you usually need it for the exchange.
• Of course, you also have the option of agreeing a special right of termination with the dealer before buying. However, this usually only works for smaller shops where you can contact the owner. In any case, you should fix the agreement in writing.
• Tip: If you want to put gift vouchers under the Christmas tree, make sure that the selection is large enough so that the recipient can redeem it in his mind. Gift vouchers are valid for at least three years and are usually not exchanged.