Can I cancel a purchase I made over the phone?

In Finland most things sold over the phone carry a 14-day right of withdrawal, under kuluttajansuojalaki (the Consumer Protection Act). Within that time you can cancel the deal without giving any particular reason.

For goods the period starts when you receive them. For services it starts when the contract is made. Your notice must state unambiguously that you are withdrawing from the contract.

You can use the company’s form or send an email. A telephone call can also be valid, but you must be able to show that you gave notice in time.

Return costs fall to you if the company has not undertaken to pay them. If the company did not tell you about those costs in advance, you do not have to pay them.

Many phone-selling situations are settled before any of that. In most cases the contract does not bind you at all unless you have accepted a written offer.