Sproken
A2French·20 cards

Shopping and Returns in France

Ask about the guarantee and the sales, pay at the till and take back something that broke after a week.

Every new product sold in France comes with a two-year legal guarantee (la garantie légale de conformité), so a shop must repair, replace or refund a faulty item. Returning something that works is up to the shop's own policy, but online purchases give you 14 days to change your mind. The official sales (les soldes) happen twice a year, in winter and summer, and since 2023 shops no longer print the receipt unless you ask for it.

Customer using card for contactless payment at a fashion store counter with cashier.
Photo: MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
  1. 1

    Il est garanti combien de temps ?

    How long is it guaranteed for?

  2. 2

    Deux ans, c'est la loi.

    Two years, it's the law.

    Tip: New products get a two-year legal guarantee.

  3. 3

    C'est en promo ?

    Is it on special offer?

  4. 4

    Vous l'avez dans une autre couleur ?

    Do you have it in another colour?

  5. 5

    Je regarde, merci.

    I'm just looking, thanks.

  6. 6

    Je peux payer par carte ?

    Can I pay by card?

  7. 7

    Il vous faut un sac ?

    Do you need a bag?

  8. 8

    Vous voulez le ticket ?

    Would you like the receipt?

    Tip: Shops no longer print it automatically; you have to ask.

  9. 9

    Vous avez 30 jours pour le retourner.

    You have 30 days to return it.

  10. 10

    Il est tombé en panne au bout d'une semaine.

    It broke down after a week.

  11. 11

    Je voudrais rapporter cet article.

    I'd like to return this item.

  12. 12

    Vous avez le ticket de caisse ?

    Do you have the receipt?

  13. 13

    Vous préférez un échange ou un remboursement ?

    Would you prefer an exchange or a refund?

  14. 14

    Je préfère être remboursé.

    I'd rather have a refund.

  15. 15

    L'argent revient sur votre carte dans quelques jours.

    The money goes back on your card in a few days.

  16. 16

    C'est moins cher sur Internet ?

    Is it cheaper online?

  17. 17

    Sur Internet, vous avez 14 jours pour changer d'avis.

    Online, you have 14 days to change your mind.

    Tip: This cooling-off right applies to online purchases, not to shops.

  18. 18

    Je vais réfléchir.

    I'll think about it.

  19. 19

    Les soldes commencent quand ?

    When do the sales start?

    Tip: Sale periods are fixed by law, once in winter and once in summer.

  20. 20

    C'est une bonne affaire.

    It's a good deal.