📦 Can I return a shop purchase within 14 days?

Quick answer

You cannot — and this is Latvia's most widespread consumer myth. The 14-day right of withdrawal applies to a distance contract — a purchase made online, by telephone, or away from ordinary business premises. For an ordinary shop purchase of an undamaged item there is no legal right of return — if the shop takes it back, that is their goodwill, not your entitlement. Under a distance contract the period runs from receiving the goods, and no reason need be given. And there is one powerful exception: where the seller failed to inform you of the withdrawal right, the period extends to one year and 14 days.

📋 The rules

The 14 days apply to a distance contract
That means online, by phone, or off-premises
In a shop, there is no right to return sound goods
The period runs from receiving the goods
No reason need be given

🔓 Exceptions

If the seller did not inform you of the right, the period is a year and 14 days
The goods must be returned within 14 days of sending the withdrawal notice
The seller must refund within 14 days, including the delivery costs

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Three separate 14-day periods — do not confuse them. First: 14 days from receiving the goods, to send the withdrawal notice. Second: 14 days after sending it, to return the goods. Third: 14 days from when the seller learns of your decision, to refund the money — including the delivery costs. And now the part that can save you a great deal: where the seller failed to provide information about the conditions, period and procedure for withdrawal, and gave no withdrawal form, you may withdraw within one year and 14 days. It is a sanction on the seller — and it applies even if you simply did not like the item.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Can I return something bought in a shop?

There is no legal right to return an undamaged item bought in an ordinary shop. If the shop accepts it, that is the trader's goodwill, not your entitlement. The 14-day rule does not apply.

When does the 14-day right apply?

To distance contracts — buying online, by telephone or away from ordinary business premises. The period runs from the day you receive the goods, and no reason need be given.

What if the seller never told me?

Then the withdrawal period extends to one year and 14 days. It is a sanction on the seller for breaching the information duty, and it applies without you giving any reason at all.

How quickly must I return the goods?

No later than 14 days after sending your written withdrawal notice. That is a separate deadline from the one for notifying the seller that you are withdrawing.

Are the delivery costs refunded?

Yes. Within 14 days of learning of your decision, the seller must refund the sum paid, including the delivery costs, not merely the price of the goods themselves.

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