Backlash against change that puts consumers in a difficult spot: You ordered a phone, a toy arrived! 'There is no return for this'

Consumers Union President Mahmut Şahin stated that with the new regulation that came into effect as of January 1, 2025, the right of withdrawal has been removed for products such as smartwatches, mobile phones, tablets, computers, and motorcycles.

Emphasizing that this change is against the interests of consumers, Şahin said, “In distance sales, consumers had the right to return products within 15 days without showing any reason. However, with the new regulation, this right has been eliminated. Consumers who purchase these products will no longer be able to exercise their right to change their minds.”

Reminding that in the past, shipping costs for consumers who wanted to return a product were covered by the seller, Şahin stated that this cost is now being loaded onto consumers under the new regulation. He also said they anticipate that this change will create a massive workload for the courts.

"YOU ORDER A PHONE, A TOY ARRIVES, THERE IS NO RETURN"

Expressing that a heavy burden has been placed on consumers, Şahin said, “You ordered a phone, a toy phone arrived. You will no longer be able to return this. In addition to being victimized with your money, you will have to file a lawsuit and wait for years. In this process, lawyer and court costs will also be loaded onto the consumer.”

Stating that the new regulation creates an opportunity for sellers and malicious individuals, Şahin said, “Consumer rights are being seriously violated. Citizens who do not have the right to change their minds remain vulnerable to fraudsters.” Noting that the lawsuit filed for the cancellation of the regulation has not yet been concluded, Şahin emphasized that the judiciary should act faster on this issue.

News Source: İHA