What are my rights as a consumer when dealing with a faulty product?
July 11, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Hans Krüger
Dear Lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I recently purchased a faulty product and I am unsure of what rights I have as a consumer in this situation. It is an electronic device that stopped functioning properly shortly after purchase. I bought the product at a local electronics store and have already tried to complain about the defect there, but was not offered a satisfactory solution.
The situation is that as a consumer, I have purchased a defective product for which I paid a considerable amount. The current state is that the product does not work as expected and I am not satisfied with my purchase. My concerns are that I have lost my money and do not know how to proceed in this situation. I wonder if I can return the faulty product, if I am entitled to repair or replacement, and what steps I should take to enforce my rights as a consumer.
Therefore, I would like to ask you what rights I have as a consumer regarding a faulty product and how best to proceed to find a solution to my problem. I am grateful for your support and look forward to your professional advice.
Sincerely,
Laura Vollbrecht
Dear Mrs. Vollbrecht,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a faulty product you recently purchased. I am sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with your purchase and had difficulty finding a satisfactory solution at the electronics store. As a consumer, you have certain rights in such cases that are intended to help you get your money back or have the defective product repaired or replaced.
If you have purchased a faulty product, you generally have the right to a warranty. This means that the seller is liable for defects that were present at the time of purchase or that occur within a certain period after the purchase. In your case, you have the right to return the faulty product and request either a repair, a replacement, or a refund of the purchase price.
It is important that you inform the seller of the defect as soon as possible after discovery, as otherwise you may lose your rights. You usually have two years to claim defects, but you should do so as soon as possible to increase your chances of a successful solution.
If the seller refuses to repair, replace, or refund the product, you may consider taking legal action. For example, you could hire a lawyer to assert your claims and potentially take the matter to court.
In your case, I recommend that you first inform the seller in writing about the defect and set a reasonable deadline for resolving the issue. If the seller still does not offer a satisfactory solution, you may consider taking legal action to enforce your rights as a consumer.
I hope this information helps you and that you can find a solution to your problem. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Hans Krüger
