电商购物节“定金”和“订金”分不清？小心吃大亏

Core Points - The article discusses the confusion among consumers regarding the refundability of "deposit" (定金) versus "advance payment" (订金) in online shopping, particularly during promotional events like "Double 11" [1][3] - It highlights the legal implications of these terms as defined by the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, emphasizing that deposits are non-refundable under certain conditions, while advance payments can be refunded [1][3] Legal Definitions - The term "deposit" (定金) is a legal term that serves as a guarantee for a contract, meaning if the payer fails to fulfill their obligations, they cannot request a refund [3] - In contrast, "advance payment" (订金) is a customary term that allows both parties to request a refund if the contract does not proceed [3] Consumer Complaints - There has been a notable increase in complaints regarding non-refundable deposits during the pre-sale phase, with many consumers unaware of the legal distinctions [1][5] - Common issues also include promotional discrepancies such as "disappearing discounts" and "lack of after-sales service for gifts," which have become frequent sources of consumer complaints [6] Consumer Rights and Protections - The article references the Consumer Protection Law, which mandates that businesses ensure the quality and performance of both purchased and promotional items [8][9] - It emphasizes that gifts, despite being free, should meet the same quality standards as purchased items, and businesses cannot refuse returns based on the gift status [9] Evidence Collection for Consumer Rights - To effectively protect their rights, consumers are advised to retain four types of evidence: screenshots of product listings, payment receipts, communication records with sellers, and photos or videos of received products [10][11] - Consumers should also seek assistance from platforms to obtain necessary evidence if direct contact with sellers is challenging [13] Choosing Reputable Sellers - The article suggests that consumers should check for business licenses and contact information when selecting sellers on shopping platforms to minimize the risk of disputes [15]