'No video, no refund'? Lawyer reminds online buyers of their rights

If you have experience in buying from online shops, then you have likely come across a "no video, no refund policy."

Sellers who impose this rule require an unboxing video before they consider providing refunds.

But GMA resident lawyer Atty. Gaby Concepcion says: "Kung ako ang tatanungin niyo, bawal 'yang no video, no refund policy na 'yan."

On "Unang Hirit" on Wednesday, Concepcion reminded buyers of their rights under Republic Act 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines

"In case of a defective product, sa ilalim ng Consumer Act, may karapatan ang isang nakabili ng defective item na humingi ng replacement, refund, or repair, para sa ano mang sira or depekto na produkto na nabili," she said.

"Besides, may mga defect na makikita lamang ilang araw na ang makalipas. Kahit ivideo niyo ito, walang makikitag depekto. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na walang depekto kung navideo ang item at walang sira ito sa umpisa," she added.

Concepcion said that in the eyes of the law, there is no difference between online shops and physical shops.

"Pareho lamang ang karapatan niyo bilang isang buyer. So kung may defect ang item, dapat pwedeng mag-refund, replace or repair," she said.

Sellers who refuse to cooperate may face a penalty of P500 up to P20,000, and jail time of
three months up to two years.

Buyers may file their complaints to the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau.

Last week, the Department of Trade and Industry warned online sellers against imposing the “no video, no refund policy.''

DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said that deceptive sales acts can happen before, during, and after the sale. —JCB, GMA Integrated News