Info | Validity of vouchers

In principle, vouchers against payment are valid for 30 years in Austria according to the statutory limitation period. There must be an objectively justified reason to shorten this period. In addition, it must not be excessively difficult for the consumer to make use of the voucher.

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In addition to the classic value voucher, vouchers against payment can also be issued for a specific item or a specific service (e.g. accommodation voucher for 2 people in hotel XY, voucher for a 5-course dinner, etc.). With such vouchers for goods and services, the value of the voucher increases over time in comparison to value vouchers, whereas value vouchers lose value in real terms due to currency devaluation. For this reason, a shorter time limit compared to value vouchers could be more justifiable.

However, here too it ultimately comes down to a balancing of interests between the hotel (entrepreneur) and the guest (consumer). This is because the issuer of the voucher must not be unjustly enriched under any circumstances. A non-cash voucher could therefore be limited to 2 years, but after this period the voucher holder must be able to have the voucher amount refunded (possibility of deducting a processing fee) or to exchange a non-cash/parcel voucher for a value voucher.

According to the transparency requirement (Section 6 (3) KSchG), such a clause must be printed on the voucher. The transparency requirement also applies to information regarding the possibility of redemption (contingent availability clause) The contingent availability clause states that the consumer must be clearly and unambiguously informed of the conditions and times under which they can use the voucher.

Source: ÖHV & WKO

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Sandra Baumgartner

Marketing & Kommunikation

A textual optimist with a passion for tourism. At incert, she turns technology into clear and understandable words.

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