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Ordering online with subsequent collection from the store is enjoying growing popularity - and not just since the corona pandemic and lockdowns.

Not only large chains with many branches now offer this service, but also more and more retailers - at least where it is allowed.

However, some consumers still have doubts about what type of contract they have actually concluded.

Does the right of withdrawal known from online shopping apply - and if so, to the full extent?

Ordered online, ordered online

The answer is: yes, it does.

If the goods have been ordered on a website, the two-week right of withdrawal that is usual for online purchases also applies, explains the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer center.

The other circumstances of the conclusion of the contract, for example the collection in the store or the payment method, played no role.

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However, if the final purchase decision is not made until collection, there is no right of withdrawal.

This is the case, for example, when the goods have only been expressly reserved via the website, state the consumer advocates.

Don't forget to withdraw your consent with Click & Collect

If the customer would like to cancel the purchase, he or she must explain this to the retailer, preferably by email, fax or letter.

The experts explain that the ordered goods simply cannot be picked up or sent back.

If someone has legitimately made use of their right of withdrawal after purchasing via Click & Collect, as the procedure is also called, they do not necessarily have to return the goods, but can, in the opinion of the consumer center, also hand them over to the shop.

Click & Collect: Package costs

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But anyone who decides to return by parcel service should know that, as a customer, they generally have to bear the costs of the package if the retailer does not offer to cover the costs of his own accord.

And the retailer has to bear the return costs, according to the information, if he did not inform before the conclusion of the contract that customers would have to pay the costs of a possible return themselves.

The retail sector is threatened with a devastating wave of bankruptcies

In the current lockdown, stationary retail is struggling with major financial losses.

Those who do not have an online shop run the risk of not surviving the pandemic.

More and more businesses are filing for bankruptcy.

Source: WELT / Matthias Heinrich