As a resident of Rijswijk, you often buy second-hand items via platforms like Marktplaats or Facebook. When purchasing from a private seller, you enjoy less protection than from professional sellers. Consumer law does not apply, but you still have options under general sales law.
No Consumer Rights for Private Transactions
Consumer law only protects purchases from businesses. For a private sale in Rijswijk, such as from a neighbor or via local advertisements:
- No mandatory statutory warranty
- No right of withdrawal or cooling-off period
- The principle 'as seen, as bought' applies
Some Safeguards via Sales Law
Standard sales law from Book 7 of the Civil Code still applies to transactions in Rijswijk:
- The product must conform to the agreed characteristics
- The seller may not deliberately conceal known defects
- In case of misrepresentation, you can have the sales agreement annulled via the Rijswijk District Court
Dealing with Hidden Defects
If the seller in Rijswijk knew of a defect and concealed it, you may be able to cancel the transaction. However, proof is challenging; consider seeking advice from the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk for support.
Practical Tips for Buying in Rijswijk
- Inspect the item carefully in person, for example during a meeting in the municipality
- Ask targeted questions and document the responses, preferably digitally
- Put agreements in writing, such as via WhatsApp or email
- For more expensive items: bring a trusted acquaintance to the meeting
- Preferably pay in cash or directly upon handover; avoid advance payments
What to Do in Case of Fraud
If you pay in Rijswijk but receive nothing, file a police report immediately. Fraud is a criminal offense, and you can claim damages via the Rijswijk District Court. The Juridisch Loket Rijswijk offers free initial assistance in such matters.
Marktplaats Protection
When using the payment request on Marktplaats in the Rijswijk area, you activate the 'Money Back Guarantee'. This refunds your money if delivery fails or the product significantly deviates from the description.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.