Frequently Asked Questions
Everything I get asked most often. If your question isn't here, just write to me.
Regarding the goods
What is the condition of the items?
It varies, which is precisely why it is stated for every item. I describe the condition exactly as I find it and photograph signs of use rather than retouching them out. The rule is simple: what is not listed as a defect is not one.
Are the photos real or catalog pictures?
The item in the photo is always authentic and always mine. I openly state one qualification: if I have multiple identical copies, I sometimes show one of them as a representative example. In that case, it is noted in the description.
As soon as the items differ, I list each one individually with its own photos, even if it is just one additional scratch. A representative photo is therefore only used where the condition is truly identical.
Are the images on the site AI-generated?
The illustrations yes, the music too, and for some title and mood images, the background is generated. The article in them is still the one I photographed. I take all product photos myself.
And the item descriptions?
I use AI for drafting, but not for research. I provide all the features and the condition myself, exactly as I have determined them for the item. If anything is unclear, I ask questions instead of guessing, and every text goes through my hands one final time. The details and the humor come from me; the formulation is just a tool.
Where do the things come from?
From estate liquidations, flea markets, collections being given up, and via my media rescue advertisement. Everything legally acquired, everything has passed through my hands before resale. Ernst has seen every piece. He hasn't commented on anything so far.
I am looking for something specific that is not in the shop. What now?
Write to me. There is still a lot unlisted on the shelf, and if I don't have it, I'll keep my eyes open. It costs you nothing and me just a note. I like side quests better than the main story anyway.
Regarding shipping and packaging
How is it packaged?
Thorough. Excessively thorough, some say. Reviews regularly state that the most difficult part of the purchase was getting the tape off again. I take that as a compliment.
Why is my box used?
Because it usually is. I cooperate with local shops and take their shipping boxes before they go into the compactor. Each one is checked individually for integrity, old labels are removed, and the choice of box depends on what is going inside.
Don't worry: These are sturdy shipping cartons, not cut-up cereal boxes. That is exactly the kind of thing that used to be sent to me, and it was one of the reasons why I do things differently here.
If there isn't a suitable used box available, I use a new one. With unusual formats, that happens more often than I'd like. In both cases, padding and packing are done with the same level of care.
You can find out more on the sustainability page.
How quickly will it be shipped?
Usually within one to two business days of receipt of payment. As soon as the package is on its way, you will receive the tracking number.
Do you also ship internationally?
You can see the current shipping countries and prices during the checkout process. If your country is not listed, please ask; we can often arrange something.
Can I order multiple items together?
Yes, and that pays off twice over. I ship anything that fits into a box in a single parcel, which can weigh up to 31.5 kg. On top of that, there is a bundle discount: 15 percent off the entire order when you buy five or more items.
This is a permanent offer and not limited to a promotional period.
Regarding orders, payment, and returns
What payment methods are available?
Payment is processed via Shopify Payments or PayPal. Shopify Payments supports methods including credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay; which of these are displayed depends on your device. You can see the full selection during the checkout process.
Can I return it?
Yes, and longer than you have to. By law, as a consumer, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal; the binding details can be found in the cancellation policy. In addition, I am voluntarily offering you 30 days. The reason is simple: I describe every item so accurately that I can afford the two extra weeks.
If something does not arrive as described, it was my mistake. Simply contact me directly at info@returntreasures.de; that's faster than a form can ask for your name.
Is there a warranty on used goods?
Yes. For used items, the warranty period is one year from receipt of the goods; for new items, it is two years. The binding details can be found in the General Terms and Conditions.
Regardless of this, the following applies: If an item does not correspond to what I have described, that is my mistake and I will resolve it. You don't need a deadline or a legal paragraph for that, just an email.
Why is there no VAT on my invoice?
Because ReturnTreasures is currently a small business according to § 19 UStG and therefore does not charge VAT. For you as a buyer, this changes nothing except for the line on the invoice.
Do you buy as well?
Yes, especially media and toys. It's best if we clarify directly what I'll take and what I won't; just send me a quick message about what you have.
And if you were planning to go to the recycling center anyway: Then it can be done for free. I offer free pick-up in the Hanover area; for longer distances, we can coordinate. You’ll be making at least three people happy. Me, because I get to list the items and spend far too long researching them. Ernst, though he'd never admit it. And the person who gets to continue the story of the item.
Do I need to sort things out beforehand?
No, please don't. Just put everything in one box and that's it; the sorting is my part of the job.
There's a reason for this, too: even with a broken or scratched CD, the case and the inlay are often still usable, and eventually, a disc will come along without a case that needs exactly that. Anything that really can't be saved, I dispose of properly.
To the store
Do you sell elsewhere as well?
Yes, on eBay, Vinted, and occasionally via livestream. The shop here is the only place where everything comes together.
Where do the reviews come from?
From buyers who have actually placed an order. They are aggregated from my sales accounts via Trustami, and only those who have made a purchase can leave a review there.
Why should I rate you?
Because otherwise, I don’t know how it comes across to you. With the stickers and the little extras, I’m in the dark every time as to whether they make someone happy or end up straight in the bin. The best feedback is when someone mentions something I had thought about, which I otherwise never would have known was well received. Sometimes someone who didn't even place an order is happy, too. You can't plan for that; you only find out if someone tells you.
Two minutes of your time. For me, the reason to keep going and to keep coming up with new things.
Is there a physical store I can walk into?
Unfortunately not. Having my own shop is still a big dream of mine, but essentially this is the current version of it. But dreams are there to be pursued, after all.
Is a human responding here?
Yes. The same one who packs the parcel too :)
Miscellaneous
What is the deal with the pigeon?
This is Ernst, my mascot, a trained carrier pigeon courier and chronically overwhelmed. He wears flight goggles on his forehead, has noticeably crossed eyes, and occasionally claims noble turkey ancestry, which is supposed to explain his wattle. He hasn't been able to prove that so far. He also hides in quite a few pictures on this site.
And who is Rüdiger?
Simply Ernst in a nose-and-mustache disguise. He thinks it's a convincing disguise, and we're letting him believe it.
What is the junk box?
The part of the site that doesn't sell anything. Music, a few games, and whatever else comes up. Just like every 2000s homepage used to do.
Why is there music playing?
Only if you start them. Nothing plays by itself here. Very old school.
Will Flat Eric ever be listed?
The computer says no.