However, the purchase of refurbished products brings some risks. Different definition of “refurbished” in individual countries and the absence of stricter regulation often lead to unfair practices of merchants. This was pointed out by the director of the DTEST Consumer Organization Eduard Hekšová.
“Many retailers are attracted by customers to designate ‘new’ or ‘high quality’, but without clearly set criteria, such a designation can be misleading,” Hekšová explained. According to her, the main difference between the used and refurbished product is that the renovated renovation has undergone. This means that if he had a mistake, it was corrected or the worn components were replaced. “However, we will not find the definition of the refurbished product in the law,” she underlined.
“In general, entrepreneurs have a legal obligation to clearly inform consumers that the goods sold are already used, modified or has some defect. Refurbished products also include this category. In addition, such products must be clearly separated from the new goods in stone shops to avoid confusion. However, this does not apply if the trader sells exclusively used goods,“Explained Hekšová.
When buying products used, it is important to verify the time during which the consumer can exercise the rights from defective performance. The Act allows entrepreneurs a deadline for the exercise of rights from defective performance for the products used, but to a maximum of 12 months. However, consumers may encounter the fact that sellers offer a business guarantee beyond the legal warranty.
‘When assessing defects for the products used, it is decisive whether they are corresponding to what was declared when purchasing. If the buyer has been alerted in advance of a specific shortcoming, for example, the screen scratches, this condition cannot later claim. On the contrary, if there is an error that has not been stated and fundamentally affects the functionality of the product, the consumer has the right to claim,“Concluded Hekšová.
DTEST is the largest Czech consumer organization that has been operating on the market since 1992. This non -profit organization is the publisher of the DTEST consumer magazine, which is published on the Slovak and Czech market.
