Supermarket rules at Aldi, Lidl or Rewe: hamsters, exchange, shopping carts - everything is allowed

Created: 05/10/2022Updated: 05/10/2022 05:11

There are many myths surrounding consumer rights in supermarkets.

An overview of what customers are allowed - and what not.

Munich - It doesn't matter whether it's flour, toilet paper or sunflower oil.

Since the corona pandemic and the Ukraine war, more and more supermarkets have only sold individual products in commercially available quantities.

The question remains open as to what exactly is meant by commercial quantities.

These and other questions are answered here.

Supermarket rules at Aldi, Lidl or Rewe: hamsters, exchange, shopping carts - everything is allowed

There is no law on commercial quantities.

According to the Bavarian Trade Association, every retailer can determine for himself what is meant by commercial quantities.

"In most cases, however, the term commercial quantity refers to more than one," says Julia Zeller, spokeswoman for the consumer center.

Corona pandemic: Do you still have to wear an FFP2 mask in the supermarket?

Since April 3rd, it has actually no longer been necessary to wear a mask in the supermarket.

However, based on their domiciliary rights, retailers can decide for themselves whether customers must continue to use a mask. 

Supermarket rules: Can purchased goods be exchanged?

No, there is no right of withdrawal for flawless goods in the supermarket.

If there is no information at the checkout or on the receipt, it is advisable to speak to the retailer directly whether a product (e.g. clothing) can be exchanged in exceptional cases.

Markets are often accommodating here.

Julia Zeller points out that verbal agreements should definitely be recorded in writing.

An exchange without showing the original receipt is often not possible.

Consumers should also check directly at the checkout whether goods are damaged and contact the cashier.

After leaving the store, the legal situation is difficult.

It is often not possible to prove whether the goods were damaged after purchase.

In this case, the dealer does not have to take them back.

However, if the product is spoiled before the best-before date, for example, the retailer must take it back.

The warranty law applies here, after supermarkets have to sell faultless goods.

Rules in the supermarket: Does a cashier have to accept small change or large bills? 

Cashiers are not required to accept large amounts of small change (more than 50 coins).

The same applies to large bills.

The Bavarian Trade Association points out that you should pay attention to the relationship between the goods and the means of payment.

For example, if a customer wants to pay for a pack of chewing gum with a 100 euro note, the cashier does not necessarily have to accept it. 

Aldi, Lidl, Edeka and Co.: Does the price apply on the shelf or at the checkout? 

Basically, the price at the checkout is always the right one.

Information in the supermarket is not binding.

Supermarket rules in Germany: When should the receipt or change be checked?

Receipts and change should definitely be checked or counted in the store directly after shopping.

Only then can you prove with certainty whether, for example, you bought less yoghurt than you billed for.

If you only notice at home that you have paid too much, you can ask the supermarket in question for a checkout.

Here, however, one must hope for the goodwill of the dealer.

Supermarkets: who pays if a product is damaged in the store?

Basically, "Anyone who damages someone else's property is liable for the damage," says the Bavarian Trade Association.

If a product breaks in the store, the consumer is only obliged to reimburse the purchase price and not the full price, says Julia Zeller.

However, if the customer is not responsible for the damage, for example because a product was stacked poorly, the supermarket is liable.

The following applies to children: parents are liable if they have violated their duty of supervision.

The age of the child also plays a role here.

The younger the child, the more liable parents are.

Children from the age of seven can already be liable themselves.

Young people over the age of 18 are fully liable.

Aldi, Lidl, Edeka or Rewe: who is liable in the event of an accident?

If a customer falls due to a freshly mopped floor, the supermarket is liable.

If the accident is self-inflicted, the consumer is liable himself.

Can products in the supermarket be consumed before paying?

Until a product is paid for at the checkout, it is the property of the supermarket.

"Cracking open products or eating a strawberry obliges you to buy it," says the Bavarian Trade Association.

"From a purely legal point of view, snacking in the supermarket is theft," says the consumer advice center.

Supermarkets are often accommodating here too.

You are on the safe side by asking the staff in advance.

Can purchases be transported home with the shopping trolley?

No, that would be theft.

Both the shopping cart and the basket are owned by the supermarket.

Of course, purchased goods can be taken to the car or bicycle.

Supermarkets and discounters: How long does a special offer have to be available?

“From a purely legal point of view, there is no minimum period for the availability of offers.

The addition, only while stocks last, is sufficient,” says Julia Zeller.

Many supermarkets note in the small print of the sales brochure how long the goods will be available.

Normally two days can be assumed.

In the case of fresh goods on sale, the period is often shorter.

If a product is sold out more quickly, the retailer has to prove that, for example, fewer products were delivered, says Julia Zeller. 

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Supermarket rules: Can you use your own bag in the store instead of a shopping trolley or basket?

The Bavarian Trade Association and the Consumer Center generally advise against using your own bag instead of a trolley or basket.

Misunderstandings can quickly arise here.

At first glance, the supermarket cannot see whether a customer simply did not want to use a trolley or basket or whether this is shoplifting.

In principle, many dealers are accommodating, but those who use a trolley or basket are on the safe side.