General terms and conditions

General terms and conditions

Article 1 - Definitions

In these terms and conditions the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Supplementary agreement: An agreement whereby the consumer acquires products, digital content and/or services in connection with a distance contract, and these goods, digital content and/or services are supplied by the entrepreneur or a third party on the basis of an arrangement between that third party and the entrepreneur.

Cooling-off period: The period within which the consumer can make use of his right of withdrawal.

Consumer: The natural person who is not acting for purposes relating to his trade, business, craft or profession.

Day: Calendar day.

Digital content: Data produced and supplied in digital form.

Duration agreement: An agreement that provides for the regular delivery of goods, services and/or digital content over a specific period.

Durable medium: Any instrument, including email, that enables the consumer or entrepreneur to store information addressed personally to him in a way accessible for future consultation or use for a period of time adequate for the purposes of the information and which ensures the unchanged reproduction of the stored information.

Right of withdrawal: The possibility for the consumer to cancel the distance contract within the cooling-off period.

Entrepreneur: The natural or legal person who is a member of and offers products, (access to) digital content and/or services remotely to consumers.

Distance contract: An agreement concluded between the entrepreneur and the consumer within the framework of an organised system for distance selling of products, digital content and/or services, whereby up to and including the conclusion of the agreement exclusive or partly use is made of one or more techniques for distance communication.

Model withdrawal form: The European model withdrawal form included in Appendix I of these terms and conditions. Appendix I does not have to be made available if the consumer has no right of withdrawal in relation to his order.

Distance communication technology: A means that can be used to conclude an agreement without the consumer and the entrepreneur having to be in the same room at the same time.

Article 2 - Identity of the entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Name: Kotabo
Business address: De Meidoorn 13, 7958 NB Koekange
Email address:
Chamber of Commerce number:
VAT identification number:

Article 3 - Applicability

These general terms and conditions apply to every offer made by the entrepreneur and to every distance contract concluded between the entrepreneur and the consumer.

Before the distance contract is concluded, the text of these general terms and conditions will be made available to the consumer. If this is not reasonably possible, the entrepreneur will indicate, before the distance contract is concluded, in what way the general terms and conditions can be consulted at the entrepreneur and that they will be sent free of charge to the consumer as soon as possible at the consumer's request.

If the distance contract is concluded electronically, notwithstanding the previous paragraph, the text of these general terms and conditions may be made available to the consumer electronically in such a way that the consumer can easily store them on a durable data carrier. If this is not reasonably possible, it will be indicated before the distance contract is concluded where the general terms and conditions can be viewed electronically and that they will be sent free of charge to the consumer electronically or otherwise at the consumer's request.

If, in addition to these general terms and conditions, specific product or service conditions also apply, the second and third paragraphs apply accordingly. In the event of conflicting conditions, the consumer can always rely on the provision that is most favourable to him.

Article 4 - Kotabo's offer

If an offer has a limited period of validity or is made under certain conditions, this will be explicitly stated in the offer.

The offer contains a complete and accurate description of the products, digital content and/or services offered. The description is sufficiently detailed to enable the consumer to properly assess the offer. If the entrepreneur uses images, these are a true representation of the products, services and/or digital content offered. Obvious mistakes or errors in the offer do not bind the entrepreneur.

Each offer contains sufficient information so that it is clear to the consumer what rights and obligations are associated with accepting the offer.

Article 5 - The Agreement

Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the agreement is concluded at the time the consumer accepts the offer and meets the conditions set therein.

If the consumer has accepted the offer electronically, the entrepreneur will immediately confirm receipt of acceptance of the offer electronically. As long as receipt of this acceptance has not been confirmed by the entrepreneur, the consumer can dissolve the agreement.

If the agreement is concluded electronically, the entrepreneur will take appropriate technical and organizational measures to secure the electronic transfer of data and will ensure a secure web environment. If the consumer can pay electronically, the entrepreneur will take appropriate security measures.

The entrepreneur may, within legal frameworks, inform himself whether the consumer can meet his payment obligations, as well as all facts and factors that are important for a responsible conclusion of the distance contract. If the entrepreneur, based on this investigation, has good reasons not to enter into the contract, he is entitled to refuse an order or request with reasons or to attach special conditions to the execution.

The entrepreneur will send the following information to the consumer, in writing or in a manner that can be stored by the consumer in an accessible manner on a durable data carrier, at the latest upon delivery of the product, service or digital content:

The visiting address of the entrepreneur's establishment where the consumer can go with complaints;
The conditions under which and the manner in which the consumer can exercise the right of withdrawal, or a clear statement regarding the exclusion of the right of withdrawal;
Information about guarantees and existing after-sales service;
The price, inclusive of all taxes, of the product, service or digital content; where applicable, the costs of delivery; and the method of payment, delivery or performance of the distance contract;
The requirements for terminating the agreement if the agreement has a duration of more than one year or is of indefinite duration;
If the consumer has a right of withdrawal, the model withdrawal form.
In the case of a continuing transaction, the provision in the previous paragraph only applies to the first delivery.

Article 6 - Right of withdrawal
For products:
The consumer can dissolve an agreement regarding the purchase of a product during a reflection period of at least 14 days without giving reasons. The entrepreneur may ask the consumer for the reason for withdrawal, but cannot oblige him to state his reason(s).
The cooling-off period referred to in paragraph 1 commences on the day after the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer in advance, who is not the carrier, has received the product, or:
if the consumer has ordered multiple products in the same order: the day on which the consumer, or a third party designated by him, has received the last product. The entrepreneur may refuse an order for multiple products with different delivery times, provided that he has clearly informed the consumer of this prior to the ordering process.
if the delivery of a product consists of different shipments or parts: the day on which the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer, has received the last shipment or the last part;
in the case of agreements for the regular delivery of products during a specific period: the day on which the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer, has received the first product.
For services and digital content not supplied on a tangible medium:
The consumer can terminate a service agreement and an agreement for the supply of digital content that is not supplied on a tangible medium for at least 14 days without giving reasons. The entrepreneur may ask the consumer for the reason for withdrawal, but may not oblige the consumer to state his reason(s).
The cooling-off period referred to in paragraph 3 commences on the day following the conclusion of the agreement.

Extended reflection period for products, services and digital content not supplied on a tangible medium if not informed about the right of withdrawal:
If the entrepreneur has not provided the consumer with the legally required information about the right of withdrawal or the model withdrawal form, the cooling-off period will expire twelve months after the end of the original cooling-off period determined in accordance with the previous paragraphs of this article.
If the entrepreneur has provided the consumer with the information referred to in the previous paragraph within twelve months after the commencement date of the original reflection period, the reflection period will expire 14 days after the day on which the consumer received that information.

Article 6 - Right of withdrawal

For products:
The consumer can dissolve an agreement regarding the purchase of a product during a reflection period of at least 14 days without giving reasons. The entrepreneur may ask the consumer for the reason for withdrawal, but cannot oblige him to state his reason(s).

The cooling-off period as referred to in paragraph 1 commences on the day after the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer in advance who is not the carrier, has received the product, or:

If the consumer has ordered multiple products in the same order: the day on which the consumer, or a third party designated by him, has received the last product. The entrepreneur may refuse an order for multiple products with different delivery times, provided that he has clearly informed the consumer of this prior to the ordering process.

If the delivery of a product consists of different shipments or parts: the day on which the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer, has received the last shipment or the last part;

In the case of agreements for regular delivery of products during a specific period: the day on which the consumer, or a third party designated by the consumer, has received the first product.

For services and digital content not supplied on a tangible medium:
The consumer can terminate a service agreement and an agreement for the supply of digital content that is not supplied on a tangible medium for at least 14 days without giving reasons. The entrepreneur may ask the consumer for the reason for withdrawal, but may not oblige the consumer to state his reason(s).

The cooling-off period as referred to in paragraph 3 commences on the day following the conclusion of the agreement.

Extended reflection period for products, services and digital content that are not delivered on a tangible medium if not informed about the right of withdrawal:

If the entrepreneur has not provided the consumer with the legally required information about the right of withdrawal or the model withdrawal form, the cooling-off period will expire twelve months after the end of the original cooling-off period determined in accordance with the previous paragraphs of this article.

If the entrepreneur has provided the consumer with the information referred to in the previous paragraph within twelve months after the commencement date of the original reflection period, the reflection period will expire 14 days after the day on which the consumer received that information.

Article 7 - Obligations of the consumer during the cooling-off period

During the cooling-off period, the consumer must handle the product and its packaging with care. He may only unpack or use the product to the extent necessary to determine the nature, characteristics and functioning of the product. The starting point here is that the consumer may handle and inspect the product as he would be allowed to do in a physical store.

The consumer is solely liable for any diminished value of the product resulting from handling the product in a way that goes beyond what is permitted in paragraph 1.

If the entrepreneur has not provided the consumer with all legally required information about the right of withdrawal before or at the conclusion of the agreement, the consumer is not liable for any diminished value of the product.

Article 8 - Exercise of the right of withdrawal by the consumer and costs thereof

If the consumer exercises his right of withdrawal, he must report this to the entrepreneur within the cooling-off period, either by means of the model withdrawal form or in another clear manner.

The consumer shall return the product as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days after the notification referred to in paragraph 1, unless the entrepreneur has offered to collect the product himself. The consumer has observed the return period if he returns the product before the cooling-off period has expired.

The product must be returned with all supplied accessories, if reasonably possible in the original condition and packaging, and in accordance with the reasonable and clear instructions provided by the entrepreneur.

The risk and burden of proof for a correct and timely exercise of the right of withdrawal lie with the consumer.

The consumer shall bear the direct costs of returning the product. If the entrepreneur has not indicated that the consumer shall bear these costs or if the entrepreneur has indicated that he shall bear these costs himself, the consumer shall not have to bear the costs of return.

If the consumer withdraws after having expressly requested that the provision of services or the supply of gas, water or electricity not ready for sale commence during the cooling-off period, the consumer shall owe an amount that is proportional to the part of the service performed at the time of withdrawal, compared to the full performance of the service.

The consumer shall not bear any costs for the performance of services or the supply of water, gas or electricity that are not ready for sale, or for the supply of district heating, if:

The entrepreneur has not provided the legally required information about the right of withdrawal, the cost reimbursement in case of withdrawal or the model withdrawal form; or
The consumer has not expressly requested the commencement of the performance of the service or the supply of gas, water, electricity or district heating during the cooling-off period.
The consumer shall not bear any costs for the full or partial supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium if:

He has not expressly agreed prior to delivery to commencement of performance of the agreement before the end of the cooling-off period;
He has not acknowledged that he loses his right of withdrawal by giving his consent; or
The entrepreneur has failed to confirm this statement from the consumer.
If the consumer exercises his right of withdrawal, all additional agreements will be automatically terminated.

Article 9 - Obligations of the entrepreneur in case of withdrawal

If the entrepreneur offers the consumer the option to notify the withdrawal electronically, he must send a confirmation of receipt immediately after receiving this notification.

The entrepreneur shall reimburse all payments made by the consumer, including any delivery costs charged by the entrepreneur for the returned product, immediately but no later than 14 days after the day on which the consumer notifies him of the withdrawal. Unless the entrepreneur has offered to collect the product himself, he may wait with reimbursement until he has received the product or until the consumer proves that he has returned the product, depending on which event occurs first.

For the refund, the entrepreneur uses the same payment method that the consumer used, unless the consumer agrees to another method. The refund is free of charge for the consumer.

If the consumer has opted for a more expensive method of delivery than the cheapest standard delivery, the entrepreneur is not obliged to reimburse the additional costs for the more expensive method.

Article 10 - Exclusion of the right of withdrawal
The entrepreneur can exclude the following products and services from the right of withdrawal, but only if the entrepreneur has clearly stated this in the offer, at least in good time before the conclusion of the agreement:
Products or services whose price is subject to fluctuations in the financial market over which the entrepreneur has no influence and which may occur within the withdrawal period
Agreements concluded during a public auction. A public auction is understood to mean a sales method whereby products, digital content and/or services are offered by the entrepreneur to the consumer who is personally present or is given the opportunity to be personally present at the auction, under the direction of an auctioneer, and whereby the successful bidder is obliged to purchase the products, digital content and/or services;
Service agreements, after full performance of the service, but only if:
the performance has begun with the consumer's express prior consent; and
the consumer has declared that he will lose his right of withdrawal once the entrepreneur has fully performed the agreement;
Package tours as referred to in Article 7:500 of the Dutch Civil Code and passenger transport agreements;
Service contracts for the provision of accommodation, if the contract provides for a specific date or period of performance and other than for residential purposes, the transport of goods, car rental services and catering;
Agreements relating to leisure activities, if the agreement provides for a specific date or period of performance thereof;
Products manufactured to consumer specifications which are not prefabricated and which are manufactured on the basis of an individual choice or decision by the consumer or which are clearly intended for a specific person;
Products that spoil quickly or have a limited shelf life;
Sealed products which are not suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons and were unsealed after delivery;
Products which, after delivery, are by their nature irreversibly mixed with other products;
Alcoholic beverages, the price of which has been agreed upon at the time of concluding the contract, but the delivery of which can only take place after 30 days, and the actual value of which depends on fluctuations in the market over which the entrepreneur has no influence;
Sealed audio, video recordings and computer software, the seal of which has been broken after delivery;
Newspapers, periodicals or magazines, with the exception of subscriptions to these;
The supply of digital content other than on a tangible medium, but only if:
the performance has begun with the consumer's express prior consent; and
the consumer has declared that he thereby loses his right of withdrawal.

Article 11 - The price
During the period of validity stated in the offer, the prices of the products and/or services offered will not be increased, except for price changes due to changes in VAT rates.
By way of exception to the previous paragraph, the entrepreneur may offer products or services whose prices are subject to fluctuations in the financial market and over which the entrepreneur has no influence, with variable prices. This subjection to fluctuations and the fact that any prices stated are target prices shall be stated in the offer.
Price increases within 3 months after the conclusion of the agreement are only permitted if they are the result of statutory regulations or provisions.
Price increases from 3 months after the conclusion of the agreement are only permitted if the entrepreneur has stipulated this and:
these are the result of statutory regulations or provisions; or
the consumer has the authority to terminate the agreement with effect from the day on which the price increase takes effect.
The prices stated in the offer of products or services include VAT.
Article 12 - Compliance with the agreement and additional warranty
The entrepreneur guarantees that the products and/or services comply with the agreement, the specifications stated in the offer, the reasonable requirements of soundness and/or usability and the legal provisions and/or government regulations in force on the date the agreement was concluded. If agreed, the entrepreneur also guarantees that the product is suitable for other than normal use.
An additional guarantee provided by the entrepreneur, his supplier, manufacturer or importer never limits the legal rights and claims that the consumer can assert against the entrepreneur under the agreement if the entrepreneur has failed to fulfil his part of the agreement.
An additional guarantee is understood to mean any obligation of the entrepreneur, his supplier, importer or manufacturer in which he grants the consumer certain rights or claims that go beyond what he is legally obliged to do in the event that he has failed to fulfil his part of the agreement.
Article 13 - Delivery and execution
The entrepreneur will exercise the greatest possible care when receiving and executing orders for products and when assessing applications for the provision of services.
The place of delivery is the address that the consumer has made known to the entrepreneur.
Taking into account what is stated in article 4 of these general terms and conditions, the entrepreneur will execute accepted orders with due speed but at the latest within 30 days, unless another delivery period has been agreed. If the delivery is delayed, or if an order cannot be executed or can only be executed in part, the consumer will be notified of this at the latest 30 days after placing the order. In that case, the consumer has the right to dissolve the agreement without costs and is entitled to any compensation.
After dissolution in accordance with the previous paragraph, the entrepreneur will immediately refund the amount paid by the consumer.
The risk of damage and/or loss of products rests with the entrepreneur until the moment of delivery to the consumer or a previously designated representative made known to the entrepreneur, unless expressly agreed otherwise.

Article 14 - Duration transactions: duration, termination and extension
Cancellation:
The consumer may at any time terminate an agreement entered into for an indefinite period and which extends to the regular delivery of products (including electricity) or services, taking into account the agreed termination rules and a notice period of no more than one month.
The consumer may terminate an agreement entered into for a definite period and which extends to the regular delivery of products (including electricity) or services, at any time towards the end of the fixed term, taking into account the agreed termination rules and a notice period of no more than one month.
The consumer may terminate the agreements referred to in the previous paragraphs:
cancel at any time and not be limited to cancellation at a specific time or during a specific period;
at least cancel in the same manner as they were entered into by him;
always cancel with the same notice period as the entrepreneur has stipulated for himself.
Extension:
An agreement entered into for a fixed period and aimed at the regular delivery of products (including electricity) or services may not be tacitly extended or renewed for a fixed period.
By way of exception to the previous paragraph, an agreement entered into for a fixed period and aimed at the regular delivery of daily newspapers, weekly newspapers and magazines may be tacitly extended for a fixed period of up to three months, if the consumer can cancel this extended agreement at the end of the extension with a notice period of up to one month.
An agreement entered into for a definite period and which provides for the regular delivery of products or services may only be tacitly extended for an indefinite period if the consumer may cancel at any time with a notice period of no more than one month. The notice period is no more than three months if the agreement provides for the regular, but less than once a month, delivery of daily, news and weekly newspapers and magazines.
An agreement with a limited duration for the regular delivery of daily, news and weekly newspapers and magazines for the purpose of getting to know each other (trial or introductory subscription) will not be tacitly continued and will end automatically after the trial or introductory period.
Duration:
If an agreement has a duration of more than one year, the consumer may terminate the agreement at any time after one year with a notice period of no more than one month, unless reasonableness and fairness oppose termination before the end of the agreed term.

Article 15 - Payment
Unless otherwise specified in the agreement or additional conditions, the amounts owed by the consumer must be paid within 14 days after the start of the cooling-off period, or in the absence of a cooling-off period within 14 days after the conclusion of the agreement. In the case of an agreement to provide a service, this period commences on the day after the consumer has received confirmation of the agreement.
When selling products to consumers, the consumer may never be obliged in general terms and conditions to make an advance payment of more than 50%. If an advance payment has been agreed, the consumer cannot assert any rights regarding the execution of the order or service(s) in question before the agreed advance payment has been made.
The consumer has the duty to report any inaccuracies in payment details provided or stated to the entrepreneur without delay.
If the consumer does not meet his payment obligation(s) in time, after the entrepreneur has informed him of the late payment and the entrepreneur has granted the consumer a period of 14 days to still meet his payment obligations, if payment is not made within this 14-day period, the consumer will owe the statutory interest on the amount still owed and the entrepreneur is entitled to charge the extrajudicial collection costs incurred by him. These collection costs amount to a maximum of: 15% on outstanding amounts up to € 2,500; 10% on the next € 2,500 and 5% on the next € 5,000 with a minimum of € 40. The entrepreneur may deviate from the stated amounts and percentages to the advantage of the consumer.
Article 16 - Complaints procedure
The entrepreneur has a sufficiently well-publicized complaints procedure and handles the complaint in accordance with this complaints procedure.
Complaints about the performance of the agreement must be submitted to the entrepreneur within a reasonable time after the consumer has discovered the defects, fully and clearly described.
Complaints submitted to the entrepreneur will be answered within a period of 14 days from the date of receipt. If a complaint requires a foreseeable longer processing time, the entrepreneur will respond within the period of 14 days with a confirmation of receipt and an indication of when the consumer can expect a more detailed answer.
A complaint about a product, service or the service of the entrepreneur can also be submitted via a complaint form on the consumer page of the website of . The complaint will then be sent to both the entrepreneur in question and to .
The consumer must give the entrepreneur at least 4 weeks to resolve the complaint by mutual agreement. After this period, a dispute arises that is subject to the dispute resolution.
Article 17 - Disputes
Agreements between the entrepreneur and the consumer to which these general terms and conditions apply are exclusively governed by Dutch law. If the entrepreneur focuses his activities on the country where the consumer lives, the consumer can also always appeal to the mandatory consumer law of his country.
Disputes between the consumer and the entrepreneur regarding the conclusion or performance of agreements relating to products and services to be supplied or supplied by this entrepreneur can, subject to the provisions below, be submitted by both the consumer and the entrepreneur to the Thuiswinkel Disputes Committee, Postbus 90600, 2509 LP in The Hague ().
A dispute will only be considered by the Disputes Committee if the consumer has first submitted his complaint to the entrepreneur within a reasonable time.
If the complaint does not lead to a solution, the dispute must be submitted to the Disputes Committee in writing or in another form to be determined by the Committee no later than 12 months after the date on which the consumer submitted the complaint to the entrepreneur.
When the consumer wants to submit a dispute to the Disputes Committee, the entrepreneur is bound by this choice. Preferably, the consumer reports this to the entrepreneur first.
If the entrepreneur wishes to submit a dispute to the Disputes Committee, the consumer must state in writing within five weeks of a written request made by the entrepreneur whether he wishes to do so or whether he wishes to have the dispute handled by the competent court. If the entrepreneur does not hear the consumer's choice within the period of five weeks, the entrepreneur is entitled to submit the dispute to the competent court.
The Disputes Committee shall render a decision under the conditions as set out in the Disputes Committee regulations (). The Disputes Committee's decisions shall be made by way of binding advice.
The Disputes Committee will not handle a dispute or will discontinue the handling if the entrepreneur has been granted a suspension of payments, has become bankrupt or has actually ceased his business activities before a dispute has been handled by the committee at the hearing and a final decision has been made.
If, in addition to the Thuiswinkel Disputes Committee, another recognised disputes committee or one affiliated with the Foundation for Consumer Disputes Committees (SGC) or the Financial Services Complaints Institute (Kifid) is authorised, the Thuiswinkel Disputes Committee shall preferably be authorised for disputes relating primarily to the method of distance selling or service provision. For all other disputes, the other recognised disputes committee affiliated with the SGC or Kifid.
Article 18 - Industry guarantee
org guarantees compliance with the binding advice of the Thuiswinkel Disputes Committee by its members, unless the member decides to submit the binding advice to the court for review within two months after it was sent. This guarantee revives if the binding advice has been upheld after review by the court and the judgment showing this has become final and binding. Up to a maximum amount of €10,000 per binding advice, this amount will be paid to the consumer. For amounts greater than €10,000 per binding advice, €10,000 will be paid. For the excess, there is an obligation to make an effort to ensure that the member complies with the binding advice.
For the application of this guarantee, it is required that the consumer makes a written appeal to this and that he transfers his claim on the entrepreneur to . If the claim on the entrepreneur amounts to more than €10,000, the consumer is offered to transfer his claim to the extent that it exceeds the amount of €10,000 to , after which this organization will request payment thereof in its own name and at its own expense in court to satisfy the consumer.
Article 19 - Additional or deviating provisions
Additional or deviating provisions from these general terms and conditions may not be to the detriment of the consumer and must be recorded in writing or in such a way that they can be stored by the consumer in an accessible manner on a durable data carrier.
Article 20 - Amendment of the General Terms and Conditions of Thuiswinkel
org will not change these general terms and conditions except in consultation with the Consumers' Association.
Changes to these terms and conditions will only come into effect after they have been published in an appropriate manner, provided that in the event of applicable changes during the term of an offer, the provision most favourable to the consumer will prevail.
Horaplantsoen 20, 6717 LT Ede
PO Box 7001, 6710 CB Ede

Article 22 - Damage caused by products
Kotabo is not liable for consequential damage to objects on or in which the purchased items are placed or laid down. The use of our products must be done according to the (possible) instructions and warnings provided. Any damage resulting from (incorrect) use or abuse of our products does not fall under our liability. This also includes leakage from a bottle or packaging that can occur, it is always important to carefully inspect products before they are used or laid down. We recommend taking precautions, such as the use of coasters or protective materials, to prevent damage to surfaces.

Updated on 27-09-2024