For distance purchases, such as online or via telephone, you have a right to a 14-day cooling-off period in Utrecht. Within this period, you can return the product without giving a reason and get your money back. This is called the right of withdrawal.
When does the cooling-off period apply?
In the following situations, the 14-day cooling-off period applies:
- Online purchases via webshops
- Telephone orders
- Home sales (door-to-door sales)
- Sales at markets or fairs (in certain cases)
Start of the cooling-off period
- Physical products: the period starts on the day of receipt
- Services: from the moment the agreement is concluded
- Digital downloads: from the day of purchase
How can you exercise the right of withdrawal?
Within 14 days, you must inform the seller of your decision to withdraw. This can be done in the following ways:
- Via the webshop's return form
- By a written notice (for example by e-mail or post)
After the notification, you have another 14 days to return the product.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
There is no cooling-off period for:
- Fresh or perishable goods (such as foodstuffs or plants)
- Sealed items that have been opened (for example software or hygiene products)
- Products that have been specially made for you
- Loose newspapers or magazines
- Travel and transport services
- Tickets for concerts or events
Costs on return
The seller is obliged to refund both the purchase price and the original shipping costs (outbound). However, the costs for return shipping are usually at the consumer's expense, unless the seller indicates otherwise.
Frequently asked questions about the right of withdrawal in Utrecht
What does my right to return entail?
For purchases via the internet, you have 14 days to return without reason, except for legally established exceptions.
How long is the warranty period?
Products must function for at least 2 years. Defects within the first 6 months are presumed to have been present at the time of purchase.
Can I claim interest on outstanding amounts?
Yes, you can claim statutory interest (approximately 8% per year) on unpaid amounts.
What to do in case of misleading sales practices?
You can file a complaint with organisations such as the Consumentenbond, the government or bring a case to court.
What does a credit agreement entail?
A credit agreement specifies how you borrow money, what interest rate applies and how you repay it.
Local legal assistance in Utrecht
For legal questions or disputes, you can go to:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht