Who has to repair my product that broke just after the warranty?
In the EU, if a product develops a genuine fault, the seller you bought it from — not the manufacturer — usually must repair or replace it free for up to two years under the legal conformity guarantee. It covers real defects, not misuse or normal wear. Go back to the shop, keep your receipt, and say it's a lack of conformity.
How to do it
- Go back to the seller, not the manufacturerUnder the EU legal conformity guarantee the shop you bought from is usually responsible, not the brand. Contact that seller first.
- Check the fault is a genuine defectThe right covers real faults, not misuse, accidental damage, or normal wear. Be ready to describe how the product failed on its own.
- Claim within the two-year legal guaranteeThe guarantee runs up to two years from delivery in most EU countries. Act before that window closes.
- Say it's a lack of conformityAt the counter or by email, state: 'This is a lack of conformity under the 2-year legal guarantee.' It names the exact legal right.
- Keep your receipt as proofYou need evidence of the purchase date and seller. A receipt, invoice, or order confirmation works.
Questions that come up
Does this apply if I bought the product online?
Yes. Distance and online sellers carry the same legal conformity obligation as physical shops in the EU. Contact the online seller you ordered from, quote the two-year legal guarantee, and keep your order confirmation as proof of the purchase date.
What if more than two years have passed?
The two-year legal conformity guarantee usually ends, so this exact route may no longer apply. You might still have options: a longer manufacturer or commercial warranty, or national rules on hidden defects. Check the paperwork that came with the product.
Can I demand a refund instead of a repair?
Usually not as a first step. The seller normally gets to choose between repair or replacement first. A price reduction or refund typically becomes an option only if repair and replacement both fail, take too long, or cause you significant inconvenience.
Full transcript
Broke at month eight? Go back to the shop, not the brand. In the EU, genuine faults usually mean the seller repairs or replaces them free. That's the two-year legal guarantee — it covers a genuine defect, not misuse or normal wear. Say: 'this is a lack of conformity.' The confirmation lands — repair cost, zero. Keep your receipt, and save this for later.