Saxon consumer advice center is suing Zalando for inadmissible reminder fees. Those affected can sue free of charge.

Saxon consumer advice center is suing Zalando for inadmissible reminder fees. Those affected can sue free of charge.

The Saxon consumer advice center has filed a lawsuit against the online retailer Zalando. The reason for the lawsuit is the reminder fees that Zalando charges when customers do not pay their invoices on time. For the second reminder via email, Zalando demands a fine of 5.30 euros. The consumer advice center considers these fees to be inadmissible because there are no corresponding provisions in Zalando's general terms and conditions and, according to case law, only costs actually incurred can be claimed, which in this case are considered negligible in the case of email reminders.

According to a report by MDR Sachsen from October 16, 2023, the lawsuit is being filed by the consumer advice center as a class action lawsuit under the EU Collective Action Directive. Those affected who received a corresponding email from Zalando before October 13, 2023 have the opportunity to join the lawsuit in the first phase of the class action lawsuit using an online form. Once the lawsuit has been filed, anyone interested can participate. Participation is free of charge as the Saxony Consumer Center bears the risk and costs.

The consumer advice center's lawsuit against Zalando could have a significant impact on the market and consumers. If the lawsuit is successful and the reminder fees are declared inadmissible, Zalando would have to reconsider its approach to late payments and possibly take alternative measures. This could lead to an adjustment to Zalando's general terms and conditions and may also have an impact on other online retailers that charge similar fees.

Consumers could benefit from a successful lawsuit because they would no longer be burdened with such reminder fees. This would make shopping at Zalando and other online retailers more transparent and customer-friendly. Consumers would feel less financial pressure if they are unable to pay their bills on time.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the court will assess the lawsuit and what impact this will have on the market. If the lawsuit fails, online retailers like Zalando could continue to charge reminder fees and thus pass on the costs of late payments to consumers. It remains to be hoped that the Saxony consumer advice center will achieve positive changes in the interests of consumers with its lawsuit.

Source: According to a report by MDR Sachsen, link (accessed on October 16, 2023)