Right of Withdrawal: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about your right to return online purchases and the rules regarding refunds and shipping costs in France.
The Right of Withdrawal is a consumer protection rule that allows you to change your mind after buying something online and cancel your order.
Who it's for
This protection is designed for all online customers. If you have purchased goods through an online platform, you are covered by these consumer protection laws.
What you get
You receive a specific 14-day window to return goods. This period allows you to decide if you want to keep your purchase or return it for a refund.
What it costs you
For businesses and sellers, this right requires transparency. The specific details of how this process works and how it is handled must be clearly stated in your Terms of Service, which are known locally as CGV. Ensuring these terms are easily accessible is a necessary part of maintaining compliance with consumer protection frameworks.
The catch to know
The most important detail to remember is that you must refund the original shipping costs. When a customer uses their right to withdraw, you cannot simply refund the price of the item itself; you are also required to pay back the money they spent on the initial delivery of the goods.
How to apply
- Check your purchase date to confirm you are within the 14-day window allowed for a return.
- Notify the seller that you wish to use your right of withdrawal.
- Follow the procedures to return the goods to the seller.
- Ensure the seller processes a full refund, which must include the original shipping costs paid during the initial transaction.