Dutch Court Orders Batteroo to Refund €18,149 for Home Battery After Door-to-Door Sale

A Dutch court has ruled in favor of a consumer who purchased a home battery for €18,149 following a door-to-door sales pitch, and subsequently exercised their right of withdrawal. The Zeeland-West-Brabant Court ordered Batteroo, operating under HI TRONIC B.V., to fully refund the purchase price.

The Case

On May 15, 2025, a salesperson from HI TRONIC B.V. (Batteroo) approached the consumer at their home, leading to the same-day purchase of a home battery for €18,149. The consumer paid an initial deposit of €5,000, followed by a remaining €13,149 via a payment link provided with handwritten instructions on an envelope.

Four days later, on May 19, 2025, the consumer invoked their right of withdrawal and requested a full refund within 14 days. When Batteroo failed to respond or issue a refund, the consumer took the matter to court. Solar Magazine reports on the ruling.

Batteroo’s Defense and the Court’s Ruling

Batteroo argued that the consumer had consented to the commencement of services, thereby forfeiting their right of withdrawal, citing Article 6:230p of the Dutch Civil Code. The company claimed the consumer’s actions – providing customer data, making payments, and initiating technical configuration – demonstrated active agreement to proceed.

However, the court rejected this defense. The judge clarified that the right of withdrawal only lapses if the service provider has fully completed the agreement within the 14-day withdrawal period, which Batteroo had not demonstrated. Solar Magazine details the court’s reasoning.

Additional Costs for Batteroo

In addition to the €18,149 refund, Batteroo was ordered to pay:

• Statutory interest from June 13th
• €956.49 in extrajudicial collection costs
• €1,826.42 in legal costs

Radar, a Dutch consumer program, reported on the full financial implications of the ruling.

Widespread Complaints Against Batteroo

This case is part of a larger pattern of complaints against Batteroo regarding aggressive sales tactics for home batteries. The Vastelastenbond (Fixed Costs Association) and Radar have received hundreds of complaints about the company’s aggressive telephone sales practices in just two months. LochemEnergie also warns against telephone sales of home batteries, naming Batteroo among other companies employing questionable tactics.

Consumer Advice

Authorities, including the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), advise consumers to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls regarding home batteries. It is recommended to hang up immediately or, if you choose to listen, avoid making any commitments or providing personal information. Thorough research is crucial before purchasing a home battery.