Consumer advice center warns: Be careful of Dutch online shops

Consumer advice center warns: Be careful of Dutch online shops

Online shops, especially from the Netherlands, attract customers to shop with tempting offers and unbeatable prices. These e-shops present themselves professionally, but consumers should be careful as ordering can also involve risks.

The trend of online shopping is steadily increasing in Germany, long before the corona pandemic. According to the Federal Statistical Office, Germany was in seventh place in the 2021 EU ranking with 82 percent. Clothing in particular is one of the most popular products purchased online. However, it is not always easy to process returns free of charge. The consumer advice center is currently warning against online shops from the Netherlands, as the goods often do not come from Europe.

The consumer advice center explicitly warns against Dutch online shops that offer very cheap clothing and include a Dutch company address in the legal notice. It is criticized that the goods are usually delivered directly from China and, in the event of a return, have to be sent back there, with the return costs often exceeding the value of the goods.

Some of the main reasons why Dutch online stores are discouraged include shipping from China, poor quality of products compared to the pictures online, Chinese return addresses, hidden contact information, and possible issues with customs duties and taxes. It is advisable to check the imprint of unknown online shops and take precise information about returns into account in order to avoid high costs. Overall, consumers should be careful when shopping online and rely on well-known providers to minimize possible fraud risks.

In addition to the risks described, online shopping is also problematic from an ecological perspective. The increased CO2 footprint caused by returns, long transport routes and packaging waste contributes to the environmental impact. Germany stands out within Europe for the high number of returned goods. In order to make online trading more sustainable, authorities such as the Federal Environment Ministry are considering introducing a digital product passport to give consumers the opportunity to shop more consciously and prefer sustainable products.