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Important Advisory for French Consumers: A Common Mistake When Returning Rental Equipment Can Cost You €299
A recent report from Journal du Geek highlights a significant oversight that could be costing thousands of French consumers a substantial €299. The article, published on June 30, 2025, at 07:22, warns customers who are in the process of returning their rental equipment, particularly internet or television boxes, to be vigilant about a specific, costly error.
The core of the issue revolves around the proper and complete return of all included accessories when sending back a rented device. Many service providers, such as internet or telecommunication companies, require customers to return not only the main unit (the box itself) but also all accompanying peripherals. This often includes the power adapter, remote control, HDMI cables, Ethernet cables, and any other accessories originally supplied with the equipment.
The €299 penalty, as reported, is levied when customers fail to return these essential accessories along with the primary device. This charge is often applied as a fee for unreturned items, which can be considerably higher than the actual market value of the individual components. For customers who may have misplaced or forgotten to include even a single cable or the power adapter, this can result in an unexpected and considerable bill.
Why This Matters to You:
- Financial Impact: A €299 charge can be a significant financial burden, especially when it’s for items that might seem minor individually.
- Customer Dissatisfaction: Many consumers are unaware of the full scope of items to be returned, leading to frustration and a negative experience with their service provider.
- Prevalence: The report suggests this is not an isolated incident but rather a widespread issue affecting thousands of French households.
What You Should Do When Returning Your Rental Box:
To avoid this costly mistake, it is crucial to adopt a meticulous approach when preparing your equipment for return. Journal du Geek offers the following proactive advice:
- Consult Your Service Provider’s Instructions: Before packaging anything, carefully review the official return instructions provided by your telecommunications or internet service provider. These instructions should clearly list all items that need to be returned.
- Gather All Original Packaging: If you still have the original box or packaging, it can be a helpful reference to ensure you haven’t missed any items.
- Inventory All Accessories: Systematically go through all the components that came with your rental equipment. This includes:
- The main box (modem, router, set-top box).
- The power adapter for the box.
- The remote control.
- All cables (HDMI, Ethernet, phone cables, etc.).
- Any user manuals or installation guides.
- Any other accessories initially provided.
- Pack Everything Securely: Ensure all items are carefully packed into the return shipment to prevent damage during transit.
- Obtain Proof of Return: When you ship the package, always obtain a shipping receipt or tracking number. This serves as crucial proof that you have indeed returned the equipment.
By taking these precautionary steps, consumers can significantly reduce the risk of facing unexpected fees and ensure a smoother, more cost-effective process when terminating their service contracts. It is always best to be proactive and confirm all return requirements with your provider to avoid such financial surprises.
Vous rendez votre box ? Attention à cette erreur qui coûte 299€ à des milliers de Français !
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Journal du Geek published ‘Vous rendez votre box ? Attention à cette erreur qui coûte 299€ à des milliers de Français !’ at 2025-06-30 07:22. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.