Shopping online successfully
Consumer protection for Internet user is still immature. For this reason, we recommend that you follow certain guidelines when ordering online.
comparis.ch has collected the most important tips and guidelines for successfully online shopping for you.
When is a purchase contract finalised?
A contract is generally not concluded until the seller makes a binding offer and the buyer accepts that offer. A purchase contract is binding and cannot just be cancelled.
For online shopping this happens in several steps:
- A sellers offer on the Internet is not yet binding, i.e. seeing a product being offered at a certain price on the Internet does not automatically entitle you to that price
- You can order the product by filling in the order form. This means that you accept the offer as you have seen it on the Internet. If the seller is able to provide the product at the indicated price and in the indicated delivery time, you are obliged to purchase the product.
- If, upon having received your order, the seller changes the price or the delivery time of the product, you are no longer under any obligation to purchase the product. The dealer has to inform you of any changes. Only if you agree to the new price or delivery time do you have to go through with the purchase.
- The dealer is under obligation to deliver the product if he accepts your order.
Usually, you will receive confirmation of your order by email. If no price or deliver information is indicated, you can assume that you will receive the goods on the terms indicated on the dealer's website.
The dealer can also accept your order by debiting your credit card.
If you do not hear anything from the dealer within a "reasonable time" after placing your order, he has accepted your order. one week is considered to be a "reasonable time".
Tip 1: Enter your wishes in the comment field If you need a product within a certain time period, you should enter this in the comment field on the order form (e.g. order is only valid if product is received by August 15). The dealer is under obligation to consider all comments on the order form. If the dealer does not inform you otherwise, he agrees with your wish. It is also possible that the dealer cannot deliver in the desired period and informs you of this.
Tip 2: Get written confirmation of verbal agreements If you have reached any verbal agreements with the dealer, ask for written confirmation and keep it (see tip 3).
Tip 3: Keep all evidence You will be more secure if you keep everything connected to the order. Keep your order, confirmation from the dealer and other emails or letters from the dealer. In the event of a legal dispute with the dealer, you use these as evidence.
Tip 4: Take notice of terms & conditions It is important to take notice of the dealer's terms & conditions. In the terms & conditions, you will find information on the dealer's guarantee and liability, and also whether you have the right to return the goods.
The terms & conditions apply
- if you have agreed before sending off your order, i.e. if you have confirmed and accepted the terms& conditions on the order form, e.g. by selecting the check box "I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions".
- if it is pointed out that the terms & conditions apply, i.e. if it is stated on the order form that the "terms & conditions apply".
Important: If you do not accept the terms & conditions, you must state this before you place your order. You can write this in the comment field on the order form. If you do not hear from the dealer, this means that he agrees and accepts this. If there is no comment field on the order form, we recommend that you contact the dealer directly. If you reach any verbal agreements, be sure to ask for written confirmation.
If you reach any other agreements with the dealer, these apply instead of the terms & conditions.
Tip 5: For guarantee claim, contact the dealer Generally, there is a legal manufacturer's guarantee. In Switzerland, the guarantee period is usually one year, depending on manufacturer and product the guarantee period may also be longer.
For guarantee claim, contact the dealer, who can then send the product on to the manufacturer or importer.
Unfortunately, in some cases dealers refuse to provide guarantee and refer you to the manufacturer. Despite not being under any obligation, manufacturers will take care of these claims out of fairness.
Tip 6: No legal money-back guarantee Legally, the dealer is not under any obligation to provide a money-back guarantee.
However, many dealers are very accommodating, and will take back the purchased goods. You will find further information in the dealer's terms & conditions. If not mentioned, you do not have a money-back guarantee.
Tip 7: Exchanging defective goods: Don't miss deadline If you have received a defective or wrong product, you can exchange it. Make sure that you exchange it as quickly as possible, at the latest after one week of buying. Inform the dealer in writing why you wish to exchange the product.
The dealer is under obligation to exchange or repair the product if it is faulty or wrong. If he does not comply, you can cancel the contract and demand reimbursement for payments already made.
Tip 8: Get transport insurance In principle, you are liable for shipping. Your liability starts as soon as the vendor has dispatched the goods (transfer of risk).
As with the exchanging of defective goods, many vendors are very accommodating and insure shipping of the goods. If there is no such insurance, it is certainly worth taking out. Discuss this with your vendor.
