Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales for Tilburg Residents

Right of Withdrawal in Distance Sales in Tilburg

As a Tilburg resident, the right of withdrawal for distance sales allows you to cancel a purchase without reason within 14 days after delivery of a product or the start of a service. This applies to orders placed via webshops, telephone, or mail and helps prevent buyer's remorse. We explain the rules, exceptions, and tips, with a focus on local assistance via the Juridisch Loket Tilburg.

What is a distance sale?

A distance sale is concluded without physical contact between buyer and seller, such as with online shops like Bol.com, Coolblue, or local Tilburg webstores. Under Article 6:230j of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), it involves sales via means of distance communication such as the internet, telephone, or catalogs, until the deal is finalized.

Unlike visiting a store in Tilburg city center, such as on Heuvelstraat, you cannot inspect the product first. That is why this protective right of withdrawal applies.

Legal basis for the right of withdrawal

The rules are set out in Book 6 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Articles 6:230m to 6:230p. They stem from the European Directive 2011/83/EU and have applied in the Netherlands since 13 June 2014.

• Art. 6:230m DCC: Withdrawal possible within the cooling-off period.
• Art. 6:230o DCC: Cooling-off period of 14 days from the day after receipt of the product or start of the service.
• Art. 6:230p DCC: Exceptions without right of withdrawal.

The seller must provide information before the purchase using a model withdrawal form (Annex I). Missing this information? The cooling-off period then extends to 12 months plus 14 days.

How long is the cooling-off period?

Normally 14 days. For products from delivery, for services from performance. Does the deadline fall on a weekend or public holiday? Then the next working day applies, such as after the Tilburg fair.

Multiple products in one package? The period starts with the last delivery. Digital content counts from download or stream.

Exceptions to the right of withdrawal

Some products and services are excluded, per Article 6:230p DCC. Overview in table:

Check the terms of the Tilburg seller or webshop.

Exercising the right of withdrawal

Simple: notify unambiguously within 14 days. Step-by-step plan:

1. Contact the seller (email, post, form).
2. Use the model form from the website.
3. Return within 14 days after notification, in good condition. Return costs usually at your expense.
4. Seller refunds everything within 14 days, including outbound shipping.

Example: Online sweater for €40 (+€6 shipping) from a Tilburg shop. Doesn't fit after 8 days? Email withdrawal, return it: €46 refunded.

Your rights and obligations

Consumer rights

• Cancel without explanation.
• Full refund including standard shipping.
• Extended cooling-off period if information is inadequate.

Consumer obligations

• Good condition on return (deduction for wear).
• Bear return costs yourself (unless free label provided).

Seller obligations

• Clear information upfront.
• Prompt refund.
• Often free returns.

Practical examples

Example 1: Refrigerator ordered online for your Tilburg apartment. Too big? Withdraw within 14 days: pick up and money back.

Example 2: Tilburg festival app downloaded immediately: withdrawal excluded.

Example 3: Weekend getaway booked: flexible? Yes, withdrawal possible. Fixed rate? No.

Many Tilburg residents get stuck on return costs. The law assigns them to you.

Tips for Tilburg residents

• Check terms before buying.
• Keep proof: receipts, emails, codes.
• Film unboxing for valuable items.
• Use the model withdrawal form for clarity.
• Problems? Go to Juridisch Loket Tilburg (free advice) or the Zeeland-West-Brabant District Court in Breda. Tilburg Municipality sometimes assists with consumer issues.