Returning earbuds that do not fit may be impossible

Wireless earbuds that sit inside the ear are among the products for which return rights are restricted on hygiene grounds, Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre told LSM’s 4. studija television programme.

A viewer, Jevgenija, told the programme she bought earbuds in a shop without trying them on, then found at home that they did not fit her ears. The shop refused to take them back, citing hygiene concerns.

Sanita Gertmane, head of communications at the centre, said the law does not require shops to let customers try products in store. A physical shop is not obliged to exchange or refund an item that matches the contract and has no defects. Earbuds are also an exception to the usual 14-day withdrawal right for online purchases, so customers generally cannot simply send them back after trying them.

Before buying, consumers should look for online reviews, ask others for advice or check whether a retailer offers demo models to try. Ear, nose and throat specialist Rudīte Pivņenko said secretions from the ear can get onto objects inserted into it, and people may carry different microbes.