Your rights when buying online
Clothing, concert tickets, jewellery, household appliances or electronics ... Buy in a few clicks, 24 hours a day, and be delivered directly to your home: on the Internet, it's possible!
But what to do if your order is not delivered, arrives damages or you don not like it? 14-day to withdraw in the European Union, recourse in case of non-delivery... In this section you will find useful information and practical advice on how to buy safely on the Internet.
How to check the trustworthiness of a website?
You should always know from whom you are buying online. Follow our tips to verify the trustworthiness of your online seller and to avoid falling for traps on the internet.
Delivery
While you buy on the Internet, you must be informed of the delivery date of your order. But what to do if your order is not delivered, arrives damges or you do not like it?
14 days to withdraw
You have purchased goods and services on the website of a seller based in a European country? If you are not happy with your order, you can change it within 14 days: what is called the right of withdrawal.
Guarantees and warranties
For any purchase in store or on the Internet from a professional seller, you benefit from a legal guarantee of conformity of at least two years which allows you to ask the seller to repair or exchange the good.
Buying from an Online Marketplace
More and more e-commerce businesses are hosting independent sellers from different countries on their sites, earning a commission with each sale. They thus become “Marketplaces”. What are the possible consequences for your purchase? What to look for…
Purchases and VAT
When you buy a product in Europe, you pay value added tax (VAT). But at what rate? Are the rules the same for purchases outside the EU?
Spare parts and repairs
Availability of spare parts in Europe and reparability index in France, more information on new rules on manufacturers since 2021.
Internet fraud and scams
Online fraud: beware of cheap ads, missed calls, and emails asking for your bank details!
Protection of your personal data
Online purchases, subscriptions to loyalty cards, responding to a sales offer or a survey… Are you sure that your data is always protected? All the information on the GDPR and the protection of your personal data in Europe in our FAQ.
Sales periods
Would you like to take advantage of the sales in the neighbouring country? Consult our map of Europe. Each EU country has its own regulations and sales period.
End of geoblocking
You wanted to make a purchase on a Danish website but it is “reserved for Scandinavians”? The European Union showed its intent on putting a stop to all unjustified geo-blocking, which entered into force on December 3, 2018.
Paid subscriptions film, music
Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you wish to view a video on the Internet, but were denied because it’s not available in your country?
Buying tickets
Every organiser of a large-scale sporting event (Olympic Games, World Cup, European Championship) designates one or several official ticket vendors. Beware of unauthorised sites that resell tickets, often for much higher prices than usual.
Cash payment limitations
Many consumers use cash. However there are limitations on cash payments within the EU and entering or leaving a country with cash may be subject to customs declarations. Check before you travel!