Problems returning a broken television set, a defective dinghy or a ticket for a cancelled match. Could happen? If you don't have proof of purchase, it's harder to pursue your claim. The simplest proof is a receipt. You should always hold on to it, regardless of where you made the purchase

Consumers with fat and slim wallets, clients, tourists, passengers and football fans have one thing in common: they all have a right to receive proof of purchase. The simplest form is a receipt. This year's campaign, Don't be a sucker, get a receipt, which was organized by the Ministry of Finance to remind people of the need to issue and retain a receipt, is supported by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. The campaign will feature a drawing by Andrzej Mleczko, one of Poland's most famous cartoonists, of a deer going shopping - "deer" in Polish being the proverbial equivalent of "sucker".

Proof of purchase, meaning what?

You should also retain it when buying a ticket to a movie, a sporting event or other services

You should retain proof of purchase regardless of where you bought the product. Sellers in shops and bars, at souvenir stands, on the Internet and elsewhere are required to issue one. You should also retain it when buying a ticket to a movie, a sporting event or other services. Proof of purchase confirms what you bought, from whom, when and at what price. Thanks to this document you'll be able to refund products or services non-compliant with the sales agreement or, to put it simply, are defective. The easiest and most universal form of purchase confirmation is a receipt. But keep in mind that this is not the only way to document a transaction; by law, the same function is served by credit or debit card payment confirmation, bank statement, VAT invoice, and even the testimony of people who accompanied you.

Refund without a receipt

A receipt allows you to return a defective product. A seller cannot make this proof of purchase the sole condition for accepting a return. However, you'll find it much easier to return a product if you have a receipt. The seller is obligated to accept the return even when he or she doesn't agree with your claims. They can only refuse when you fail to provide proof of purchase, because in this case it's hard to prove that you bought a given product at a given store.

How long should you retain a receipt?

Remember that you can question a product purchase not only when the product is in non-compliant with the agreement, but also when, for example, its value was improperly calculated, you were given the wrong change, or you purchased expired groceries

Remember that you can question a product purchase not only when the product is in non-compliant with the agreement, but also when, for example, its value was improperly calculated, you were given the wrong change, or you purchased expired groceries. Receipts for food products expire fastest. If, for example the tomato juice you bought is defective, you must report this to the seller within three days of opening the package. If you want to return tomatoes bought by the pound, you have to do it within three days of the time of sale - this rule applies to all products purchased by weight. Receipts confirming purchases of shoes, clothing, furniture, vehicles or radio and television equipment should be retained for two years. Why? Because you can return these products up to 24 months after purchasing them if they turn out to be defective. You have the same rights for products purchased at a discount. If you decide to buy second-hand goods, bear in mind that you will have at least one year to return them.

Unusual situations and the power of the receipt

A receipt also comes in handy in unusual situations. By law, you can return non-defective products that you don't like or that you've decided are unsuitable only at the seller's discretion. He or she has the right to require that a receipt be provided and labels or packaging be returned. You should also know that for returns or exchanges, the receipt is often used by the seller to indicate the deadline agreed upon with the customer for returns and exchanges.

Warranties

In addition to the right to return defective products, consumers can also make use of warranties. These two concepts are frequently mixed up - you should know, however, that a warranty - as with non-compliance of a product sales agreement - allows you to pursue your claim, should a purchased product turn out to be defective

In addition to the right to return defective products, consumers can also make use of warranties. These two concepts are frequently mixed up - you should know, however, that a warranty - as with non-compliance of a product sales agreement - allows you to pursue your claim, should a purchased product turn out to be defective. However, warranties are voluntary; the seller may issue one, but isn't required to do so. If you decide to assert your claim in this way, the producer has the right to require that you present not only the defective product, but also a receipt, a warranty card that has been stamped by the store and the original packaging.

Problem with a seller?

If you haven't been issued a receipt by a seller, you should report this fact to the Treasury Control Office. If you have a problem with a purchase or if your compliant has been rejected, you can count on free of charge assistance of municipal or poviat consumer ombudsmen. You can also obtain legal advice by calling the toll-free consumer infoline at 800 007 707.

Additional information for the media:
Małgorzata Cieloch, Spokesperson for UOKiK
Department of International Relations and Communication
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warsaw
Tel. +48 22 827 28 92, 55 60 314
faks +48 22 826 11 86
E-mail: malgorzata.cieloch@uokik.gov.pl