E-commerce transactions have increased significantly in recent times. Naturally, this increase has also led to a rise in the number of negative experiences.
Research shows that there is a trust problem in e-commerce transactions. Consumers who worry that the product they purchased may not be delivered or may not meet the stated criteria prefer to stay away from online shopping. Law No. 4077 on "Consumer Protection" protects consumers' rights comprehensively.
So, as a customer, what are your basic rights?
Right of Withdrawal
The right of withdrawal can be described as a consumer's greatest guarantee when shopping online. It gives consumers the ability to return a purchased product within 14 days without being bound by any condition. From the date the consumer exercises the right of withdrawal, the seller must refund the total amount received to the consumer within 10 days.
In which cases does the consumer have no right of withdrawal?
- Products made to order or customized for the person
- Products that are sensitive from a hygiene standpoint, such as swimwear, underwear or cosmetics
- Products that can be copied, such as DVDs and CDs
- Printed products such as books and magazines
- Software programs
- Products with an expiry date that carry a risk of spoiling quickly
- Jewelry
- Airline tickets, tours and hotel services
Cargo Delivery Rights
When you buy a product online, there are some important points to pay attention to in order to protect your rights at the delivery stage, when your package reaches you.
First of all, before signing to confirm that the package has been received, it is very important to open the package and check whether the product has any damage. If the product has been damaged in any way, it can again be returned without being bound by any condition.
Defective Products
Defective products can be divided into two types: products with obvious defects and products with hidden defects. A tear in a purchased shirt or a crack in a laptop screen places the product in the obvious defect category. Products with obvious defects can be returned unconditionally within 30 days.
Products with hidden defects are products containing faults that consumers cannot notice at first glance and that emerge with use of the product. For example, if a pair of shoes was fine when purchased but develops some deformation after use, the product can be returned for 2 years from the purchase date.
Right to the Consumer Arbitration Committee
If you cannot find a solution in your shopping, the Consumer Arbitration Committee comes into play. To apply to the Consumer Arbitration Committee, the amount of the product you purchased must be at most 8,480 TL. For purchases above this amount, a solution must be sought in the Consumer Court.
