Your rights when things break — and how to spot fake shops before paying.
Two years of statutory warranty — no receipt small print neededEvery purchase from a business carries a two-year statutory warranty (Gewährleistung) for defects. A manufacturer's Garantie is a voluntary extra on top — sellers cannot fob you off with 'contact the manufacturer'.Why the shop doesn't have to take it backThe 14-day withdrawal right applies only to distance and doorstep sales — in a physical shop, exchanging a non-defective item is pure goodwill (Kulanz). Many chains offer it anyway, but on their own terms.
Spotting fake shops before your money is goneProfessional-looking fake shops are Germany's most common online fraud. German law gives you one reliable tell: every commercial website must carry a full Impressum — and prepayment-only checkout is the classic trap.