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How fast must a webshop refund your money after you cancel?

Refunds under the right of withdrawal

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Short answer

When you cancel an online purchase, the shop must pay you back no later than 14 days after you told it. The shop may hold the refund until it has received the item or you have shown proof that you sent it. A valid cancellation gives you the purchase price back, but the shop can deduct an amount if the item lost value because you used it too much. If the money does not come back, you can in many cases contact your bank.

Practical info

Why

  1. The deadline is 14 days from your cancellation notice.
  2. The shop may wait for the item or proof of sending.
  3. Your bank can help if the refund never arrives.

Details

Keep the postal receipt with the tracking number as proof that you sent the item back.

Tip

Pay online with a payment card, as it makes it possible to ask the bank to reverse the payment.

What may differ

Shops outside the EU may follow other rules, and the refund can be harder to get.

Common misconception

Many think a shop can keep the money until it has checked the item for weeks.

What actually happens

The refund deadline is 14 days, counted from your notice, receipt of the item or proof of sending.

People also ask

  • Can a shop give a gift card instead of money?
  • How do you ask your bank for a chargeback?
  • Who pays return shipping when you cancel?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Postal prices and services change, so check the postal operator before you send.

Practical info
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