The second-hand market is booming in France, with an annual turnover estimated at 7 billion euros, according to a recent study by fintech Tripartie.

It is propelled to the fore as a more responsible alternative to overconsumption, but also as a niche for bargains at lower cost.

Individuals and professionals go there with their offers, especially on the Internet.

But we are never safe from an object that is ultimately too worn or a damaged and malfunctioning device...

Therefore, be aware that professionals remain subject to the same obligations, whether they sell new or used products.

Thus, in the event of an online purchase, you benefit in principle from a legal withdrawal period of 14 days after delivery.

Similarly, a legal guarantee of conformity makes it possible to obtain the replacement, repair or reimbursement of the article concerned at the slightest defect, and without having to prove that the latter existed on the day of the sale, within 1 year for a second-hand item (against 2 years for a new one).

Few guarantees

On the other hand, when the seller is an individual, the right of withdrawal no longer applies.

You will therefore not be able to send your order back to him if you have changed your mind (unless there is an arrangement between you or specified on the platform).

However, you have a chance to invoke the legal guarantee of conformity, if the person who sold you the object bought it himself from a professional less than a year ago.

It is still necessary that she provides you with the purchase invoice, so that you can then contact the company.

Otherwise, only the warranty against hidden defects is applicable (up to two years after purchase).

Downside: it will be up to you to prove that the problem noted existed on the day of the sale, which in practice turns out to be very delicate.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is therefore necessary to read the general conditions of sale (CGC) of the platform beforehand to find out if it includes certain guarantees and protections in the event of a problem with the purchase, but also to know the conditions for benefit.

Also be sure to review the description of the used product and do not hesitate to contact the seller for clarification.

Finally, pay attention to service charges and commissions, as well as taxes and customs which could increase the invoice, and always pay on a secure site (with the symbol of the closed padlock next to the https) or by means of a system of protected payment.

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