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Emergency

Reduce the purchase price: money back, keep the goods

Sometimes withdrawal is not worthwhile because you want to keep the goods despite a defect. Then reduction is the right way: you keep the item and get back part of the purchase price corresponding to the reduced value.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Instead of withdrawing, you can reduce the purchase price (§ 441 BGB); you keep the goods and are reimbursed the amount by which the defect lowers the value.
Like withdrawal, reduction generally requires unsuccessful supplementary performance or its dispensability. Unlike withdrawal, it is also possible for only minor defects.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Attempt supplementary performance

    First demand repair or replacement with a deadline. Only when this fails or is dispensable can you reduce the price.

  2. 2

    2. Estimate the reduced value

    Consider how much the defect lowers the value. The benchmark is the ratio of defect-free to defective value.

  3. 3

    3. Declare the reduction

    Declare the reduction to the seller in writing and quantify the amount reclaimed.

  4. 4

    4. Demand repayment

    Demand reimbursement of the reduction amount with a deadline. In a dispute over the amount, a cost estimate or expert opinion can help.

How to spot the scam

  • The seller offers only a symbolic discount.
  • You are supposed to waive all further rights to get the discount.
  • The reduction is refused with the note that the defect is 'too small', which actually speaks in favor of the reduction.

Frequently asked questions

What is a reduction?

You keep the defective goods and get back part of the purchase price, namely the amount by which the defect reduces the value (§ 441 BGB). This is an alternative to withdrawal.

Is reduction also possible for small defects?

Yes. Unlike withdrawal, which is excluded for only insignificant defects, reduction is also possible for minor defects. It then turns out correspondingly small.

Do I have to demand supplementary performance first?

In principle yes. Only when repair/replacement have failed, been refused or are unreasonable can you reduce the price. So first set the seller a deadline for supplementary performance.

Take action now

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

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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.