Consumers in Russia gained a clear right to request a refund of money paid for a gift certificate in certain circumstances, a stance that was affirmed by the Supreme Court. This perspective was shared with Moscow 24 by Oleg Pavlov, who leads the public organization Public Consumer Initiative, dedicated to protecting the rights of buyers and shoppers.
The core idea is straightforward: a cash return is possible when the gift certificate cannot be used for legitimate reasons. For instance, a certificate might expire, or a buyer may simply fail to find a product that matches their needs during the period the certificate is valid. In such cases, the holder is entitled to seek a refund rather than letting the value go unused, according to Pavlov’s explanation.
Importantly, the right to a refund extends beyond the original purchaser. The person who eventually holds the certificate may also initiate a return request. The process begins by contacting the issuing company to express the desire for a refund. If the company refuses, the consumer is encouraged to file a written complaint with the store’s management. Pavlov notes that if the store does not resolve the issue, the next step is to pursue legal action through the courts.
Within the same discussion, Pavlov emphasized a practical point about pricing and payment at the time of purchase. A buyer can obtain a product at the price marked on its tag, even if the checkout total ends up being higher. If a discrepancy is discovered only after leaving the store, the buyer should return to the shop to request a refund for any overpaid amount. This safeguard helps ensure fairness in transactions and protects consumers from unexpected price fluctuations.
Alongside these points, Pavlov also cautioned Russians about common deception schemes observed in online stores. Being aware of these tactics is a key component of protecting one’s rights as a consumer and avoiding unnecessary losses when shopping online.