π’ Attention, e-shop owners! π’
As of December 20, 2022, the so-called "Button Amendment" is in effect, bringing significant changes to the Civil Code and the Consumer Protection Act.
These changes strengthen customer rights but also provide some benefits for sellers. The amendment has been approved by Parliament and is mandatory for all e-shops.
Letβs break down what this means for online stores!
π¬ Reviews must be verified!
π If an e-shop displays customer reviews, it must:
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Inform customers whether reviews are verified
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Explain the verification process directly next to the reviews
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Disclose how average ratings are calculated
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Clarify the criteria for sorting reviews (e.g., if paid reviews are prioritized)
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Not delete negative reviews to manipulate the overall rating
β Fines of up to CZK 5 million!
If a customer makes a purchase based on a misleading review, they can withdraw from the contract within 90 days.
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Recommendations for e-shops:
πΉ Allow only registered customers to leave reviews
πΉ Send a unique review link only to buyers
πΉ Require an email address for review submission and verify it against orders
π° No more artificially inflated original prices!
π New regulations:
β The original (strikethrough) price = the lowest price in the last 30 days before the discount
β If the product is less than 30 days old, the original price must be the lowest price during that period
β Increasing the discount must still be based on the same lowest price
π Exceptions:
β Perishable goods
β Loyalty programs, 2+1 offers, personalized discounts
π‘ Tip for e-shops:
π Avoid using the term "discount" and opt for labels like "better price" instead.
π If an e-shop adjusts prices based on a customerβs data, it must notify them!
β This does not apply to dynamic pricing that is the same for all users (e.g., seasonal sales).
π What e-shops MUST display before checkout:
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Phone number and email address
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Detailed product description (also visible in the cart)
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Total price clearly visible
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Shipping costs must be displayed in the cart (cannot be calculated later)
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Delivery restrictions (e.g., international shipping availability)
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Service, warranty, and return policy details
π The checkout button must clearly indicate that the order is binding and requires payment!
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Correct button labels:
β "Order with obligation to pay"
β "Buy now"
β "Pay now"
β Incorrect labels:
β "Sign up"
β "Order now"
π Whatβs changing?
β The 2-year warranty now applies to software (including updates)
β First year β the seller must prove that a defect was caused by the customer
β Second year β the customer must prove the defect was present at purchase
β If offering an extended warranty, the seller must clearly state it as a bonus.
π Complaints must be resolved within 30 days!
π Customers are responsible for reducing the productβs value if they use it beyond what is necessary for testing.
π‘ Tip for e-shops: Provide product testers where possible (e.g., for cosmetics).
π What to do?
β The return policy must be stated in the purchase agreement
β Customers must be notified about their shipmentβs status
β The e-shop can store the order and charge storage fees
π Pre-checked add-ons (e.g., shipping insurance) are now illegal!
π Customers must explicitly consent to any extra charges.
π Additional rules:
β Contracts and terms & conditions must be provided in a text format
β User manuals do not have to be printed, but customers must be able to request them
β If selling food, the composition must be identical to what is sold abroad
π° Breaking these rules can result in fines of up to CZK 5 million!
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Verify customer reviews
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Ensure fair discount pricing
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Correctly label the checkout button
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Provide clear pre-purchase information
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Follow proper return and warranty policies
π‘ Not sure if your e-shop is compliant with the new legislation?
π© Contact us for a legal audit of your online store! β