Exchanging clothes: The most common mistakes and how you can avoid them
Who doesn't know it: the sameordering in two sizes and three colors, buying the dress in the shop without trying it on because the changing rooms were too full, or taking a piece with you, which was an absolute bad purchase. All of these are classic shopping scenarios of our time. But what exactly do you do in such a case? Because oneExchange or return policyThere is no money-back guarantee - or only in special cases. Otherwise, you stay within the 14-day rule and are (always) expected to be helpfulinstructed, in compliance with the regulations applicable there. In most cases you will find these on the purchase receipt or directly at the checkout.
Return policy: The 9 biggest no-gos that you should keep in mind when exchanging clothes
Anyone who knows their rights and obligations has a clear advantage, and that's why we have provided you with an overview of the most common no-gos andExchange errorscompiled - including a list of helpful tips that you should know in advance.
1. Return underwear, swimwear and accessories
Purchased ones are for hygiene reasons,, swimsuits and earrings are usually excluded from return and can only be exchanged if the security seal in the briefs (for underwear and swimwear) is still present.
2. Exchange made-to-measure items
You have a dress or ahave it tailored to your body? Unfortunately, a return is almost impossible because the retailer can no longer sell the item to another person.
3. Didn't read the laundry list?
After the first wash, the newly purchased T-shirt is two sizes smaller than before, and the new onehas ugly marks from the iron after ironing? Make sure that you have followed all the care instructions on the laundry list correctly - otherwise it will be impossible to return the item. Anyone who does not properly inform themselves about how to care for the item of clothing before washing (see label) will have to live with the consequences and is not entitled to an exchange.
4. Make returns a habit
Especially when ordering online, you shouldn't overdo it when returning items ordered to the same shop - in the worst case, goodwill can be overused and your customer account can be blocked if you don't keep any of your orders. In addition, postal shipping (especially from abroad) is not exactly environmentally friendly, so if you think about your ecological footprint, you only order what is safe to keep.
5. Remove hanging straps and labels
While missing price labels are usually still accepted for newly purchased items, if the hanging straps are cut off you have a bad chance of returning them. Therefore, please only remove these if you are really sure that you want to keep the piece.
6. Arguing incorrectly
Little trick: If you as a consumer say when exchanging or returning something that you don't like the item you bought, you have better chances, especially in retail, than if you say you don't like the item of clothing that much.
7. Return clothing that has already been worn
The bright onehas a small rouge or make-up stain on the collar, the shoes already have scratches on the sole and the jacket smells like food or a pub? In any of these cases, you should refrain from passing off the items of clothing as unworn and attempting to exchange or even return them. Every seller is trained on such scams and recognizes them immediately.
8. Exaggerated statements
Did you accidentally grab the wrong piece while shopping and only noticed it when you got home? We all have days when everything just goes wrong and things happen that almost sound like a movie. When exchanging something at the checkout, save yourself the hassle of having to do anything adventurous, as this makes sellers more suspicious and ensures that the exchange item is examined more closely. So it's better to explain objectively and briefly (and of course politely) why you want to return an item. Then no one will be annoyed and the chances of success and goodwill are greater.
9. Return reduced goods
An exception rule often applies to reduced goods. Before purchasing, find out whether you can exchange or return discounted clothing items. In most cases, you will be informed of this directly when paying or will find a corresponding note on the purchase receipt.
7 tips for exchanging clothes: These rules exist and you should know them in advance
It often happens, not only with clothes that have been bought new, that something you don't like, doesn't fit, breaks after a short time or doesn't work at all. It is often not clear what right you have to an exchange or replacement. We explain the most important rules and tips regarding the right of exchange, right of return and right of withdrawal.
1. The customer is always king: As a customer, I always have the right to exchange or return, right?
One of the biggest misconceptions is the assumption that as a customer or buyer you can exchange or return goods that you simply don't like. That's not the case, explainedStiftung Warentest. You are not legally entitled to a return just because you don't like the product. The fact that most shops still offer an exchange or return is purely a gesture of goodwill towards the consumer. You should be aware of this when dealing with the unlovedgoes back to the shop. We therefore recommend that you remain calm and polite, even if the queue is long, and explain objectively what exactly the problem is (unfortunately the goods do not correspond to your personal taste or do not fit properly). Of course, it is a must that the goods are returned clean, unused and with a proof of purchase (within 14 days of purchase).
2. Shopping with a money-back guarantee: As a consumer, will I generally get my money refunded?
Based on the fact that an exchange is generally based on the goodwill of the business, the customer also has no legal right to receive the money he/she has paid. Merchants often offer the choice between a voucher or a payout, but they don't have to. If you are only offered a voucher, you must accept it or keep the goods.
3. Where is the label? Can goods be exchanged if the price label or price sticker is missing?
Mostly yes. If you still have the receipt and the goods are unused, it is usually possible to use an item number to determine that you have actually purchased this product. This applies, for example, to:, but also with books or perfumes. However, it is essential that the inside labels that are sewn onto a piece of clothing have not been removed or that barcodes (such as those on a book) have not been crossed out. Once this has happened, retailers can no longer trace the purchase, even with a receipt, and an exchange is often no longer possible. Here too, the seller can decide to only offer you a voucher and not a cash payment.
4. The receipt is missing: Return without a receipt - is that possible?
Yes. From a legal perspective, however, you definitely need another type of proof of purchase, such as a bank statement if paying by card or a personal witness. This proves the actual purchase, but does not secure the right to an exchange per se. However, if the shop generally accepts exchanges, then what counts in this case is the goodwill of the seller: inside, who, similar to the missing label, can understand the price using the serial number on the inside label. If the item is on sale, for example, you may of course not receive the original price but the discounted amount as a voucher.
5. The goods are defective: What am I entitled to?
In the case of defective or defective goods, such as a non-functioning toy, a sewing error in theor a book page printed crookedly, special rules apply. In contrast to a gift that doesn't fit or please, you have a legal right to a replacement or repair. However, the right to complain does not necessarily include the right to get the money back. If the defect occurs within the first six months of the date of purchase, the manufacturer is entitled to two repair attempts or must pay for replacement goods. If this does not work, you can request a refund of the purchase price. But be careful! The retailer may demand an amount of money as compensation if you have used the product for a while. It is also worth knowing that sellers are obliged to provide compensation in the event of a defect and are not allowed to fob you off with references to the product manufacturer. In general, the right to complain about new goods applies for two years from the date of purchase, but after the first six months it must be proven that the defect was present from the start through no fault of your own.
6. Special rules for online shopping: Do the same rules apply here as in the store?
It's amazing how much more generous the legal situation is when you order online. In contrast to purchases directly in the store, the right of withdrawal always applies when purchasing via a website, by telephone, order form or online form. It is valid for 14 days from receipt of the goods (not from the date of purchase) and allows you to simply return goods without giving any reason - provided the products are unused and in a sellable condition.
7. Keep packaging and documentation
Keeps original packaging and all associated documents such as delivery notes or invoices. This can make the exchange process easier and faster, especially for high-priced items.
