Who pays for the return in a cancellation? Billing shipping costs correctly

When cancelling an online purchase, you have to send the goods back and are reimbursed the purchase price. The question is who pays for the shipping: the retailer must generally reimburse the outbound shipping costs (standard shipping), while you usually bear the costs of the return, but only if the retailer instructed you about this correctly.

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Your chances of getting your money back

With a valid cancellation, the retailer must reimburse the purchase price and the costs of standard outbound shipping (§ 357 BGB). The reimbursement must take place within 14 days.

You only bear the costs of the return if the retailer clearly informed you about this before the purchase. If this information is missing, the retailer must also bear the return costs.

What you should do now

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1. Cancel within the deadline
Declare the cancellation clearly within 14 days (best in writing). A mere return without a declaration can be unclear.
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2. Reclaim the outbound shipping costs
In addition to the purchase price, demand reimbursement of the standard outbound shipping costs. You do not have to be reimbursed surcharges for express.
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3. Check the instruction
See whether the retailer informed you before the purchase that you bear the return costs. If this is missing, they must cover them.
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4. Send a reminder for the reimbursement
If the retailer does not repay within 14 days, send a written reminder with a deadline and refer to the statutory reimbursement obligation.

How to spot the scam

The retailer only wants to reimburse the value of the goods without the outbound shipping costs.
An instruction about the return costs is missing, and you are still supposed to bear them.
The reimbursement is delayed for weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get the outbound shipping back in a cancellation?

Yes, the retailer must reimburse the standard outbound shipping (§ 357 BGB). If you chose a more expensive shipping (express), they only have to cover the costs of the cheapest standard delivery.

Who pays for the return?

As a rule you, but only if the retailer clearly instructed you about this before the purchase. If this information is missing, the retailer bears the return costs.

How quickly must reimbursement take place?

Within 14 days of receipt of your cancellation. However, the retailer may withhold the repayment until they have the goods back or you have proven the return shipment.

Take action now

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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.