ACM makes it easier for consumers to cancel their recipe boxes
Consumers are able to cancel their subscriptions to recipe boxes (also called food boxes or farm boxes) within two weeks. Six suppliers of recipe boxes will, from now on, comply with the statutory cooling-off period. In addition, these providers will also actively inform consumers about the cooling-off period and about other conditions of their subscriptions. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has been able to obtain this commitment from these six recipe-box suppliers.
Anita Vegter, Member of the Board of ACM, explains: “Products like recipe boxes are increasingly offered as subscriptions. Consumers should know that they are allowed to change their minds after taking out a subscription, even if it concerns fresh produce.”
The following suppliers of recipe boxes have adjusted their conditions, and will clearly inform consumers about their conditions:
- Beebox
- HelloFresh
- de Krat
- Marley Spoon
- Mathijs Maaltijdbox
- Streekbox
Recipe-box market is growing
The market for recipe boxes is growing. More and more consumers buy boxes that contain the ingredients for different meals plus the recipes for those meals. Consumers are usually approached over the phone or in the street by recipe-box suppliers, and then take out a subscription where they buy a recipe box every week. Via its consumer information portal ConsuWijzer, ACM has been receiving more and more reports from consumers who say they are stuck with unwanted subscriptions to recipe boxes. ACM has examined the conditions of such subscriptions. ACM found that many suppliers wrongfully failed to offer any cooling-off period with their subscriptions, and that they failed to be clear about that.
How do cooling-off periods work with recipe boxes?
The statutory cooling-off period of two weeks starts on the day when you receive the first recipe box. If a consumer exercises their right of withdrawal, they will have to cancel the subscription within 14 days after receiving the first box. Consumers may cancel without giving any reason. Suppliers must actively inform consumers about their cancellation procedures, and must offer them a so-called ‘withdrawal form.’ Consumers do need to pay for any recipe boxes that have been already been delivered within those 14 days provided that the supplier has clearly informed them about this in advance.
Dealing with consumer problems swiftly
ACM has different instruments at its disposal for dealing with consumer problems. When choosing its approach in each case, ACM puts consumers central. In this particular situation, ACM opts for a swift, industry-wide approach. Further harm to consumers can thus be prevented. In other situations, ACM may opt for fines. Over the next few months, ACM will make sure that suppliers of recipe boxes (or those of other similar subscriptions) comply with the rules.