Nizhny Novgorod residents were told whether it is possible to return a product without a cash register receipt.

      July 8, 2026 13:48 Society The absence of a cash register receipt does not deprive the buyer of the right to return the product and get their money back. This was reported by Alexey Konetsky, a member of the regional branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." According to the expert, the requirement to provide a receipt is often used by sellers as a formal reason to refuse a refund. However, the law stipulates that a cash register receipt is not the only proof of purchase.

      This can be an electronic trace in a bank application, a bank statement, or confirmation of cashless payment. If I used my card to pay for the product, that already indicates a fact of purchase, the lawyer emphasized.

      In addition, there is a labeling system called "Honest Sign," which allows tracking the product's journey from the manufacturer to the buyer. Additional evidence can include barcodes, packaging, and witness testimonies. The expert stated that refusing to refund money solely based on the absence of a receipt is unlawful. Alexey Konetsky noted that the general period for returning goods of proper quality is 14 days. For purchases in online stores, the period can be reduced to seven days, but this must be explicitly stated in the product card. If such information is absent, the general period applies.

      The lawyer also reminded about warranty periods, which can be one year, two years, six months, or another period specified in the relevant certificate. If the product fails during this time under normal use, the buyer has the right to demand a replacement or a refund.

      Regarding the examination in disputes over the cause of equipment failure, the consumer is not obliged to conduct it independently. The seller has the right to appoint the examination, which must notify the buyer about its conduct and explain the right to be present during the inspection. Following the procedure, a decision is made: if the case is recognized as warranty, the seller must satisfy the consumer's demands. If it is established that the product was damaged due to improper use, the demands may be denied.

      According to Alexey Konetsky, disputes in the field of consumer rights protection often reach the courts. In practice, there are cases both in favor of consumers and in favor of sellers, as well as amicable agreements. Disputes concern the return of goods, warranty cases, apartment repairs, construction, and the provision of services to the public.

      Judicial practice is ambiguous and depends on the evidence base and the behavior of the parties, the lawyer said, adding that courts today are "overloaded" with such cases.

      The communication with the lawyer took place as part of a joint project of the media group NOIC and the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia "So You Know." Earlier, we reported that residents of Nizhny Novgorod would be able to contest the cancellation of their driver's licenses due to illness. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+