§ 40. Your duty to cooperate and accept the goods
You have a duty to do what is reasonable so that the seller (selger) can make the delivery (levering). This means replying to delivery messages, being at home at the agreed time, and collecting the parcel from the post office.
Machine-translated from Norwegian. The Norwegian text is the one that applies. Read the original in Norwegian.Norsk English العربية Polski Українська
The text of the law (unofficial translation)
The consumer (forbruker) shall a. provide such cooperation as can reasonably be expected of him or her so that the seller can perform the purchase, and b. take over the item by collecting or receiving it.
What does this mean?
A purchase agreement (kjøpsavtale) goes both ways. You must "cooperate": If Power is going to install a dishwasher, you must have cleared space. If you have ordered a sofa to be carried in, you must open the door at the right time.
If you do not do this, it is you who is ruining the purchase (breach of contract (kontraktsbrudd)), not the shop. They can then demand payment for a wasted trip, return shipping and storage fees.
Example
Jonas orders a corner sofa with carry-in service. The delivery company announces delivery between 10 and 14. Jonas goes to work and does not answer the phone. The van turns back with the sofa. Jonas has breached the duty to cooperate (medvirkningsplikt). The furniture shop can demand that he pay extra for the failed shipping and a new delivery.
Common mistakes
- "Withdrawing" from an online purchase by leaving the parcel at the post office — you must actively use the right of withdrawal (angrerett), not just ignore the parcel
- Not being at home at the agreed delivery time
What should you do?
Clear your calendar. If you have ordered goods delivered to your door, be available by phone. If you cannot receive them at the agreed time, let them know as early as possible.