Christmas is one of the most important periods for consumer protection. During the holiday preparations, households move larger sums than usual, so it is worth being aware of our consumer rights.
As Christmas approaches, more and more people start buying Christmas presents and decorating their homes. However, even with the holidays approaching, it is important to make our purchases consciously and carefully, while also being aware of our consumer rights. The Ministry of National Economy (NGM), which is responsible for consumer protection, will carry out increased checks during the festive period to ensure the smoothness of Christmas preparations and the protection of Hungarian families.
Before choosing the right gift, it is worth carefully comparing the offerings of traditional stores and online stores, as well as the conditions they offer. Not only the price, but also the product's quality, availability and - in the case of online shopping - the delivery time can also be a determining factor.
Bence Gerlaki, the Deputy Secretary of State responsible for economic development strategy and investment, consumer protection and trade at the Ministry of National Economy, reminded us that when shopping on the Internet, we should pay attention to the reliability of the given web store. Check the "Contact" menu item and make sure that we are dealing with a Hungarian company.
We have to be especially careful with foreign online stores, as asserting our rights, for example exercising the right of withdrawal, may be more difficult, and it is possible that an overseas, Far Eastern order may not arrive on time.
We definitely avoid webshops that do not have a company name or contact information on their website. You can find up-to-date information about potentially infringing online stores at www.jogsertowebaruhazak.kormany.hu.
Safety is also of utmost importance when choosing Christmas lights and decorations.
Bence Gerlaki pointed out that, under the professional guidance of the Ministry of National Economy, responsible for consumer protection, strong official action will be taken during the festive season against electric shock and fire-hazardous Christmas lights and electronic lighting decorations, however, it is important that customers also be sufficiently careful when shopping. Only buy products that have the appropriate markings and certificates.
Low-quality, unmarked products, such as string lights sold in subways, can carry serious risks - electric shock or fire.
Not only do we find safer products in specialist shops, but we can also enforce our warranty and guarantee rights more easily.
In addition to the joy of giving a gift, it may happen that a product turns out to be faulty, you don't like it, or it simply doesn't meet the recipient's expectations.
If the product is faulty, damaged or not working, we can enforce our warranty rights. The stores are obliged to repair or replace the product or, if these are not possible, to refund the purchase price. If it is a durable consumer product covered by a mandatory warranty, and we notify you of a replacement request within three working days, the company is obliged to replace the defective product, provided that the defect prevents the intended use.
It often happens that the quality of the gift received cannot be faulted, but the recipient still does not like it.
In the case of products purchased in a traditional store, the legal requirement does not oblige the retailer to buy back, but in order to increase customer satisfaction, it is increasingly common for shops and department stores to voluntarily provide the possibility of a buy-back or exchange in the last days of the year or at the beginning of January. It is advisable to inquire about this in advance and ask for thorough information.
In the case of an online purchase, the consumer may cancel the purchase within 14 days without reason and return the product.
The consumer must send the declaration of withdrawal to the trader within this period, and then return the product within 14 days. After that, the trader must return the entire purchase price - i.e. also the delivery cost - to the buyer. However, certain products are exceptions to the right of withdrawal, such as custom-made souvenirs or disassembled hygiene products. It is important to know that the company cannot oblige the customer to present the original, unopened packaging during the complaint or cancellation.
Cover image: The Christmas gift-giving rush often goes awry
Source: Pixabay.com
