Returning a Dryer

The Consumer Protection Law allows for the right to return a purchased item within a certain timeframe and receive a refund. However, there are some items that simply cannot be returned. Is it legal to return a dryer to the store? Do you need a valid reason? Let's explore the nuances.

Do you have the right to return defective equipment?

While returning shoes, outerwear, and toys is no problem, there are some nuances when it comes to dryers. Why? Drying machines are considered technically complex products, and legislation defines a special procedure for the exchange or return of such products.

The dryer may be returned to the store only if it has defects or faults that were not the user's fault.

High-quality drying equipment cannot be exchanged, even if it's been a day since purchase and still unpacked. Therefore, it's important to approach the selection of a new "home assistant" with care.

According to the law, products that do not comply with the following are considered to be of poor quality:

• terms of the contract (if the product differs from what the seller promised in terms of size, color, set of functions, etc.);
• standard quality criteria (the product has damage or defects).

If you discover any defects in your dryer, you should contact the seller as soon as possible. You can return the item within fifteen days of purchase if you discover any defect, even minor ones. For example, a millimeter-sized scratch on the body. This is stipulated in Article 18 of the consumer protection law.

In this situation, the seller is obligated to take the dryer back and refund it in full. If any doubts arise, the store may conduct a quality inspection of the device at its own expense. It has no right to refuse acceptance of the device.

If more than 15 days have passed since the date of purchase, the dryer can only be returned if one of the following conditions is met:

• the defect was detected several times;
• the machine breaks down for a similar reason after repair;
• the defect cannot be eliminated during the repair process;
• During the repair process you will have to incur disproportionate expenses (spend as much as the cost of the machine or more);
• it takes too long to repair the dryer (that is, if the work is being carried out longer than the period specified in the contract);
• The dryer cannot be used for more than 30 days in total during each year of the warranty (due to inspections, diagnostics, and repairs).

You can request a return or exchange of an item from either the seller or the manufacturer. The availability and duration of the warranty will be important. Here are some nuances:

• If the dryer is still under warranty, you can request a replacement from the seller or manufacturer. It's important that any defects be identified within the specified warranty period.
• If the machine's warranty is less than 2 years, and defects were discovered after its expiration, but no later than 2 years from the date of purchase of the equipment, a claim can be made against the seller or manufacturer, proving their fault for the damage;
• If a warranty was not provided and the dryer developed defects within two years, you can demand a replacement from the manufacturer or seller. But only if you can prove they were at fault for the defects.
• If a defect is discovered after 2 years from the date of purchase, but within the stated service life of the dryer (usually 10 years), and the manufacturer is unable to repair the device within 20 days, you can request a replacement with a similar model from the manufacturer.

Proof of the manufacturer's guilt in the defect of a technically complex product is a corresponding expert opinion.

The law also specifies the timeframe within which the dryer must be replaced:

• within 7 days after the buyer’s request;
• no later than 20 days from the date of filing a claim, if a quality check of the device is required;
• within 30 days if the seller does not have a similar product in stock.

If the seller/manufacturer fails to comply with legal requirements, sanctions are imposed. The buyer has the right to demand a penalty of 1% of the dryer's purchase price for each day of delay. This option is provided for in Article 23 of the Law "On the Protection of Consumer Rights."

An exchange or return request must be completed in duplicate. One copy is given to the store, and the other is retained by the buyer (with a note indicating acceptance). It is recommended that you complete the request yourself, rather than using the seller's template.

Why is this? Often, the seller's form specifically asks for a dryer repair. Other phrases that are "harmful" to the buyer may also be used. Once the dryer is repaired, getting a refund will be difficult.

Sometimes sellers refuse to accept goods. Then there's no choice but to take the matter to court. By providing all the evidence, defending your position is quite simple.

Is it possible to return working equipment?

Technically complex products include durable goods with complex internal structures. The warranty on such items is at least one year. A dryer falls into this category. It is not possible to return or exchange a dryer of proper quality that does not have any defects.

Invalid reasons to return your dryer to the store:

• the buyer no longer liked the product;
• the dryer was not the right size;
• I was not satisfied with the color of the device;
• the buyer found a better model for the same money;
• I was not satisfied with the set of functions, etc.

Exceptions will be made if technically complex products are purchased remotely. This has its own nuances. When ordering a tumble dryer online, the consumer is guided solely by the description provided by the seller. Therefore, additional guarantees apply.

If a dryer was purchased online, it can be returned before delivery or no later than seven days from the delivery date, even if the unit is in good condition. It is important to note that the appliance must be in good condition and in good condition. The absence of a receipt or other proof of purchase does not preclude the consumer from returning the dryer to the seller. An online order form can serve as proof.

The rules for ditching your tumble dryer are simple:

• the device must not be used;
• the device's marketable appearance has been preserved;
• the production packaging is not damaged;
• All seals, nameplates, and factory stickers are in place.

If all conditions are met, the seller is obligated to accept the return of the dryer. The purchase price will be refunded, excluding the store's shipping costs. This refund will be processed no later than 10 days from the date of the request.

Therefore, if you purchased the dryer in person in a store, inspected it, and checked it before paying, you can't simply return it. You'll need to provide evidence, such as discovered defects. It's a different matter if the appliance was purchased remotely. In that case, you can return the dryer even if it's not defective. The key is to return it within the specified timeframe.

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