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Online shop obligations: site notice, right of withdrawal and button solution

Anyone who sells online must fulfill numerous information obligations, otherwise warnings and invalid contracts threaten. Among the most important duties are a complete site notice, correct withdrawal instructions, clear price information and the 'button solution' at checkout.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Online retailers must provide, among other things, a complete site notice (§ 5 DDG/formerly TMG), correct withdrawal instructions, clear price and shipping information as well as the button solution at checkout (§ 312j BGB).
Anyone who fulfills the obligations avoids warnings and ensures valid contracts. The button solution also protects you: without the correctly labeled order button ('order with obligation to pay'), no valid contract is formed.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Complete the site notice

    Provide a complete, easily accessible site notice with all mandatory disclosures.

  2. 2

    2. Include withdrawal instructions

    Use up-to-date, correct withdrawal instructions together with the model withdrawal form.

  3. 3

    3. Check prices and button

    State total prices including taxes and shipping clearly and label the order button correctly (button solution).

  4. 4

    4. Observe data protection

    Add a privacy policy and a legally compliant cookie/consent management.

How to spot the scam

  • The site notice is incomplete or hard to find.
  • The withdrawal instructions are missing or outdated.
  • The order button is not correctly labeled (button solution).

Frequently asked questions

Which mandatory disclosures does an online shop need?

Among others, a complete site notice (§ 5 DDG), correct withdrawal instructions with a model withdrawal form, clear price, tax and shipping information, information on contract conclusion and payment, as well as the button solution at checkout (§ 312j BGB).

What is the button solution?

The duty to label the order button in the online shop clearly, for example with 'order with obligation to pay'. If this clear labeling is missing, no valid contract is formed (§ 312j BGB). It protects consumers from having costs slipped onto them.

What are the consequences of missing mandatory disclosures?

Above all competition-law warnings by competitors or associations, often combined with cease-and-desist demands and costs. In addition, contracts may be invalid or withdrawal periods may be extended. Careful implementation of the obligations prevents this.

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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.