Who Pays Return Postage on an EU Bag Order?

You normally pay, unless the seller offered to or did not tell you beforehand.

Published October 29, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Orders, Shipping & Returns · Orders & returns

Typical situation

You bought a bag from a shop in another EU country, it does not suit you, and you want to know whether you can return it and who pays for the return.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Consumer-rights view

You can usually withdraw from an online purchase within 14 days of delivery without giving a reason, and you normally pay the cost of returning the goods, unless the seller agreed to pay or did not tell you that you would have to. Your Europe, the EU’s official consumer information site, sets this out.

What the rules say

The withdrawal period is 14 days from the day you receive the goods.
You do not need to give a reason.
The seller must refund all payments, including standard delivery costs, within 14 days of learning of your decision to withdraw.
The seller may delay the refund until it has received the goods or proof that you sent them back.
You normally pay the direct cost of returning the goods, unless the seller has agreed to pay or failed to inform you that you would have to.

What to do

Check the seller’s information on withdrawal, and the return address.
Tell the seller in writing within the 14 days that you are withdrawing.
Send the bag back promptly, by a tracked service.
Keep the receipts for postage and the proof of delivery.
Follow up if the refund has not arrived within 14 days.

Exceptions

Some goods are not covered, such as items made to your specifications. The right to withdraw applies to purchases from traders, and not from private sellers.

Where this answer stops

This is general information based on EU consumer rules. Each member state applies them in its own law, and the UK has its own rules since leaving the EU. This is not legal advice.

Sources and further reading

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Look at the seller’s returns page before you pay and note who covers the return cost. A “free returns” offer is a seller’s own choice. Where there is none, the cost of returning an item you simply do not want normally falls to you.

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Check the item soon after delivery and decide within the 14 days. Try the bag on, check its size and fit your things, but avoid use that leaves marks. Heavy handling can lead to a deduction from the refund.

berabags Editorial Team · Use view

Send your withdrawal in writing before the 14 days end, and keep proof. Then send the bag back with tracking. The seller may hold the refund until it has the goods or proof you have sent them, so keep that proof safe.

Independent and unofficial. berabags is an independent editorial site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any bag brand, retailer, airline or agency named on this page. This page contains no affiliate links; if berabags adds any in future they will be labelled. Rules and policies change, so check the linked source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice.