15 July 2026 · 6 min read
Warranty on second-hand electronics: what the law gives you and what sellers add
Second-hand does not mean without rights. How protected you are depends mostly on who you buy from: a business owes you quite a lot by law, a private seller almost nothing.
This article untangles two often-confused concepts: statutory conformity rights, which you get automatically, and a warranty, which is a voluntary promise by the seller. We are not lawyers, so treat everything here as general guidance and check the sources for your specific case.
Buying from a business: statutory rights cover used goods too
When you buy from a business, consumer law gives you conformity rights: the seller is liable if the goods do not work as promised. For new goods this lasts two years; for used goods the seller may shorten it, but not below one year.
This is not a favour and it is not printed on any poster: it applies automatically, even if the seller never mentions it. Buying online from a business additionally gives you 14 days to return the goods without giving a reason.
Buying from a private seller: almost no safety net
Consumer law does not apply between two private individuals. In theory you can claim hidden defects under general contract rules; in practice that is a long, uncertain road for a phone worth a few hundred euros.
So when buying privately, check everything before paying: IMEI, battery, receipt, function. Our guide to buying used electronics lists exactly what to test.
A warranty: a voluntary promise on top
A warranty is different from statutory rights: the seller offers it voluntarily and sets its terms, duration and scope. Your legal rights always remain; a warranty only adds to them.
That is exactly why you should read what a warranty actually covers. A serious warranty states what is included, what is excluded, how long it lasts and how to claim. A vague promise without terms is not worth the paper.
How it works at Dober ulov
Every item in our shop shows its warranty on its page, when it carries one: we set the duration based on the type and condition of the device. On some items you can extend the warranty in the cart for a small extra charge.
None of this touches your legal rights: conformity rights and the online return window apply regardless of the warranty badge.
What to check in any warranty
- ·Duration: from when to when, and whether extending costs anything.
- ·Scope: does it cover the battery, which is a consumable, and what about damage you cause yourself.
- ·Exclusions: drops, spilled liquids and unauthorised repairs are normally not covered.
- ·Process: who you report a fault to, who pays for shipping and how long a resolution takes.
- ·Evidence: keep the receipt and photograph the device on the day you receive it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have any rights on a used product bought from a shop?+
Yes. Buying from a business gives you statutory conformity rights, which the seller may shorten to no less than one year for used goods. Online purchases also carry a 14-day return window.
What is the difference between a warranty and statutory rights?+
Conformity rights are the seller’s legal obligation and apply automatically. A warranty is a voluntary promise with terms the seller sets, and it only adds to your legal rights.
Does the 14-day return apply to private sellers?+
No. The 14-day return right only applies to online or off-premises purchases from a business. Consumer law does not apply between two private individuals.
Does a warranty cover drops or spilled liquid?+
Normally not. User-caused damage is almost always excluded in warranty terms, so read them before buying.
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Looking for verified second-hand tech?
Our shop carries cleaned, tested items with a clear condition grade.