2024 summer sales: is it possible to get a refund or exchange a sold-out item?

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Audrey de Sortiraparis · Published on January 6, 2024 at 11:28 a.m.
During the sales, we indulge ourselves by buying items at knock-down prices. But these bargains don't always live up to their promises: is it possible to exchange a sale item or get a refund? Here's the lowdown.

The 2024 summer sales kick off on Wednesday June 26 and run until Tuesday July 23, 2024 in France. It's a chance to treat yourself and fill in the gaps in your closet, while taking advantage of some great deals. But some of these purchases aren't always well chosen: a defect seen too late, an unsuitable size, a change of mind... In normal times, these new products you no longer want can be exchanged or refunded. But during sales periods, does this privilege still apply?

You may have seen in-store signs stating that sale items are "no returns, no refunds". Is this statement legal, or can we force the store to take back our purchase?

A document published by the Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes, on the website of the French Ministry of the Economy, specifies that "a sale item benefits from the same guarantees as any other item. Thus, the "no returns, no exchanges" advertisement sometimes found during sales periods does not exempt the retailer from exchanging or reimbursing the item in the event of hidden manufacturing defects. On theother hand, if the item purchased no longer suits you, or if the garment is not in your size but there are no hidden defects, the retailer is not legally bound to exchange it: he can do so on a purely commercial basis."

In other words, any product, even one on sale, must be refunded or exchanged by the retailer if it has a hidden defect. However, if the product has no defect, the store is under no legal obligation to take it back. However, many stores will exchange a product within 15 to 30 days of purchase. Conditions are usually set out at the checkout, at the time of payment.

Note " that a shopkeeper is obliged to apply any exchange or refund provision he has advertised, in any form whatsoever. " If a store promises you an exchange or refund, regardless of the period, then that store is obliged to carry out the transaction.

Finally, you should also know that online purchases " are subject to the same conditions and regulations as in-store purchases. In addition, whether or not the item is purchased on sale, you may return the product to the seller for exchange or refund, without penalty, within seven days of delivery. "

This rule applies to purchases made by telephone or post, but there are a few exceptions: you may not exercise your right of withdrawal in the case of customized and made-to-order products, products that deteriorate or perish quickly (except for food products), open CDs, DVDs and computer software...

During sales periods, it's best to be cautious and avoid impulse purchases that you won't be able to get rid of later!

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From June 26, 2024 to July 23, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.
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