This, in brief, summarises the responses from an on-line seller of electrical goods. I purchases a DAB PLUS radio transmitter from this Swiss company. First it arrived with instructions in German only. When I asked if they could send the instructions in the other official language of CH, i.e. French (considering the delivery address, it seemed obvious to me), I got a right rant about stocking 40.000 articles and having better things to do than checking in which language setting instructions were (well, this is your business, mate) and that I had to write to the manufacturer directly. I did, twice, still no reply.
I scanned the instructions then did a Google translation, but it transpires the model is incompatible with my car (even though it advertised as universal). I've asked to return the good for a refund, but again was told to bugger off, it said (in German) in the conditions that goods are not returnable.
Does anyone know what rules are about returning goods in Switzerland? Even if I should have been more careful about conditions and all, the really unpleasant, negative, "The customer is always wrong" attitude of this company was, at best, vexing.
Look in Obligation Recht (I believe you are a native German speaker?) the product must perform to the specification. If it states universal but is incompatble, then you might be entitled to your money back.... but then you might not actually get your money back ....
From what I can gather, they only have to refund if the goods are faulty. It's a total pain, but it is very likely they will not take any responsibility for you ordering without understanding the information on the goods (same if you sign a contract you do not understand).
According to my knowledge swiss companies are not obliged to accept the return under any conditions, unless it is specified in the contract - so it is worth to read it (if it is an online store you should be able to find the general selling conditions on their website). If you can prove that you specifically wanted an universal appliance and it is not you can revoke an essential fault in the contract and demand a return.... however I don't know how the company itself will react, they can do nothing counting on the fact that for such an unimportant sum of money you won't contact any lawyer.
Besides that I think that their attitude is unacceptable. Gosh, some people will never learn the true meaning of "client service".
If it is indeed advertised as universal, and stated as such on the website- then you do have a case. I subscribe to a consumer magazine in Romandie (Bon à Savoir) and as a member you do have access to their advice line and legal info + help in making claims and complains- as well as interesting articles and features.
You may also have a legal advice service as part of your car insurance or TCS.
I received at last today an e-mail from the manufacturer informing me that they had put an attachment with the instructions in English...except they are all in German! I want to scream!!!
I recently bought my universal DAB plus transmitter from amazon.de, came with instructions in 5 languages or so. If you have the Conrad one, I can probably find the instructions somewhere around the house. Anyhow simple installation for me, can talk you through it as well.