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Bought at the door or on a promotional coach trip? 14 days to withdraw

A salesperson at the door, a stand in the pedestrian zone, or a 'promotional coach trip', and suddenly you have bought something you did not want at all? For contracts concluded outside business premises, you generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Create the withdrawal notice

Your chances of getting your money back

Contracts concluded outside business premises (at the door, on the street, on an excursion trip) can generally be withdrawn from within 14 days (§§ 312b, 312g, 355 BGB), without a reason.
If you were not properly instructed about the right of withdrawal, the period extends by up to 12 months. For promotional coach trips, additional special protective rules apply.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the deadline

    14 days run from conclusion of the contract or receipt of the goods. Without correct instructions you have considerably more time.

  2. 2

    2. Declare the withdrawal

    Declare the withdrawal in writing and clearly. No reason is required.

  3. 3

    3. Return the goods

    Return goods received; the seller must refund payments.

  4. 4

    4. Stop payments

    If you granted a direct-debit authorization, object to debits or have them reversed.

How to spot the scam

  • High pressure, 'only now' offers at the door, on the street, or on a coach trip.
  • A signature on something you could not check at your leisure.
  • No or unclear instruction about the right of withdrawal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw from a doorstep contract?

As a rule yes. Contracts concluded outside business premises, that is, at the door, on the street, or on excursion or promotional coach trips, can in principle be withdrawn from within 14 days without a reason (§ 312g BGB).

What if the deadline already seems to have passed?

Check whether you received proper withdrawal instructions. If they are missing or faulty, the 14-day period does not begin; it extends by up to twelve months. Then withdrawal is often still possible.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.