In recent times, buying second-hand goods has become increasingly popular. Some shoppers do it to save money, while others do it to protect the environment and give items another chance rather than create new ones. In any case, it is essential to avoid any issues when purchasing second-hand goods, whether online, at a second-hand store, or even at a flea market.
The internet is full of various online stores selling used goods, and there are platforms where private individuals sell their belongings. Therefore, it is best to research whether you are buying from a business operator during their business or from a private person on one of these platforms. As experts from the consumer organization dTest warn, there is a difference in your protection.
If you buy used goods from a business operator and must make a complaint, the same rights apply to you as if the goods were new. For example, your complaint must be resolved within 30 days. By law, business operators must also provide you with more information, including that it is used goods, and inform you of the nature of the defects or the degree of wear and tear.
“Don’t be afraid to be proactive in these situations. Pay attention to the condition of the goods. If it is electronics, try to see whether all the functions are running as they should. Document the condition when you receive it. This can save you a lot of trouble in the future,” recommended Eduarda Hekšová, director of the consumer organization dTest.
You should also be careful when negotiating a shortened time for exercising rights for defective performance. The law allows business operators to shorten this time, but not for more than 12 months.
In the case of a private seller, you may encounter various delays when making a complaint. There is no 30-day period to resolve complaints in this case. “Even with a private seller, you can demand responsibility for defects, but if the seller wishes, they can deliberately delay the repair of defects. Of course, you can defend against such conduct, but you need to enforce this right in court,” warned Hekšová.