Phone sales and your rights

The rule is strong, but it does not cover everything. These two exceptions are worth knowing, because leaning on the rule in the wrong call leaves you worse off than not knowing it at all.

1. Phone and internet subscriptions

The written-confirmation procedure does not apply to electronic communications services. In practice that means phone and internet subscriptions. If the call is about your own subscription, no written acceptance is required and a contract can be made on the call.

2. If you rang them, or asked them to ring you

The rule does not cover a situation where you contacted the company yourself. The same goes for a company ringing you because you expressly asked it to. A call-back request on a website is enough to count.

That is why call me back later is not as safe an answer as it sounds.

Most things sold over the phone carry a 14-day right of withdrawal. During that time you can cancel the purchase without giving any particular reason.Source: Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto

For goods the period starts when you receive the item. For services it starts when the contract is made. You can give notice on the company's own form, by email, or with the item you send back. You do not have to say why.

Return costs are yours unless the company has promised to pay them. If the company did not tell you about those costs in advance, you do not have to pay them.

What the right does not cover

Outside it are a sealed audio or video recording you have opened, an item made to your own specification, and an item that spoils quickly. A service that has already been performed in full at your own request can also fall outside.