A bad purchase on Marktplaats: what can I ask a private seller?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A private seller must honour the agreement too, but webshop consumer protection does not automatically apply. Keep the advert and messages and choose action matching the defect, delivery and actual agreement.
On this page
1. Who sold the item?
Check whether the seller genuinely acts privately or commercially; the profile label alone is not decisive. Buying from a business through a platform can attract statutory conformity and withdrawal rights. A private sale has no general statutory 14-day change-of-mind return. The platform is not automatically the seller.
2. Is there a contract?
Record item, price, payment, collection or shipment and promises. A platform bid alone differs from a final agreement; clear acceptance in chat can create a contract. Check platform terms. Ask about unclear features before buying, examine reputation and inspect the item where possible.
3. What could I expect?
A used item must match reasonable contractual expectations: age, price, disclosed defects and specific promises matter. Ordinary wear is not automatically a breach. Save the advert, photos, payment evidence and expert findings. A known or reasonably apparent defect can limit a claim; report discovered defects promptly rather than waiting months.
4. How do I request a remedy?
Explain the mismatch and request an appropriate remedy, such as a missing part or reasonably possible repair/replacement. Allow a reasonable deadline where needed. If performance is impossible or still absent, obtain advice on termination, price reduction or damages; not every small defect warrants a full refund. Fraud, threats or mistake can raise avoidance issues. Keep the item safe and record return/refund arrangements.
5. Who bears shipping risk?
In private sales, delivery and risk depend on the agreement and circumstances. Keep the collection, delivery and risk terms; do not assume the consumer shipping rule applies. Ask for posting evidence and a carrier investigation. Registered or insured shipping does not guarantee every loss: coverage, packaging and evidence conditions matter.
6. What if discussions fail?
Use applicable platform buyer protection within its own deadlines. Report indications of fraud to the platform and police, but reporting guarantees no refund and not every breach is fraud. Sellers also have a right to payment and must disclose known defects; disputed return damage needs proof. Before proceedings seek advice on identity/address, evidence, costs and recoverability; online selling can separately have tax consequences.
Draft letter — complete yourself
Check facts and recipient. The requested response date is not automatically a statutory deadline; keep proof of sending.
Edit your draftWord
Your edits stay on this page and are not automatically saved or sent. Complete every placeholder.
Does ‘no guarantee’ mean I have no rights?
Not automatically. In a private sale, precise terms and reasonable expectations matter. A generic phrase does not automatically erase specific promises or concealed defects. Have the agreement and evidence assessed.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
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Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Advert and seller identity
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Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
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This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
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Clear entries
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- Advert and seller identity
- Messages and final agreement
- Payment and delivery/risk agreement
- Photos and defect evidence
- Complaint, deadline and reply
- Platform terms and court deadlines
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
BW 7 · koop, conformiteit, risico en klachtplicht ↗Juridisch Loket · Miskoop Marktplaats ↗ACM · Verkoper en platform ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.