Berlin (dpa/tmn) – Whether smartphones, tablets, notebooks, cameras, consoles, headphones or other high-quality electronics: used devices usually sell well if they are not too old or damaged. Private sales via classified ads or online marketplaces promise the highest profits, but are relatively work-intensive.
That’s why purchasing portals have established themselves as a convenient alternative without sacrificing profits. However, you should neither take the first one that comes along nor base your decision on a portal solely on the fact that it promises the highest price. Because if the portal doesn’t pay in the end and doesn’t respond to requests, there’s a lot of trouble – and the device is gone.
Dear search engine: What kind of company is this?
Before you hand over your device to a portal, it is important to check the reputation of the company. This can be done quickly and easily using a search engine: If the name of the respective purchasing portal leads to warnings from consumer advice centers, that means: stay away.
Numerous negative comments on rating portals are also a clear warning, explains the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations, especially if there are increasing reports of “non-existent or severely delayed payments and stalling tactics”.
Hello General Terms and Conditions: What deadlines apply and what rights do I have?
Regardless of any warnings or reviews, it is also important to check what deadlines apply and what rights you have with the respective purchasing portal. This means: In the general terms and conditions (GTC), read the information about inspection and response periods as well as payment deadlines carefully.
Consumer advocates advise that anyone who has sent something to a portal and has neither received any money nor received their device back within the promised period should take the following steps:
Hey purchasing portal: I want my money now!
- Ask questions and don’t let yourself be dissuaded or put off from your payment claim. (Popular excuses: “The money will be transferred soon,” “The matter will be passed on to accounting,” or general requests for patience and apologies.)
- Set a final deadline for the company to pay out the agreed purchase price.
- If none of this helps, get support from a consumer advice center or hire a lawyer to enforce your claim in court.
