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9 September 2026

No Right of Withdrawal: Understanding Herroepingsrecht for Custom Stairs

Ordering a custom stair is very different from buying a standard off-the-shelf product. That difference matters most when it comes to herroepingsrecht, or the statutory right of withdrawal. If you are comparing options, approving drawings, or getting ready to place an order, it is important to understand exactly when cancellation or return is still possible — and when it is not.

At Houtentrappenwinkel, bouwpakkettrappen and maatwerktrappen are produced only to order, based on the dimensions, finish, and product specifications chosen by or on behalf of the customer. Because every stair is made specifically for the order and no stock is kept, these products fall under the legal exception to the right of withdrawal. In this article, you will learn how that works, why the approval step is so important, and what rules apply to standard products and accessories instead.

What is herroepingsrecht?

Herroepingsrecht is the legal right for consumers to cancel certain purchases within a cooling-off period. For many standard online purchases, this period is 14 days after receipt.

In practice, this right exists to protect consumers when buying at a distance. It gives people time to inspect a product at home and decide whether it meets expectations. However, the law also recognizes that not every product can be resold or undone in the same way.

That is where custom-made products are treated differently.

Why custom stairs do not have a right of withdrawal

Every custom stair is made to order

Houtentrappenwinkel states that all bouwpakkettrappen and maatwerktrappen are produced exclusively on order according to the dimensions, design, and product specifications selected by the customer. Each stair is made specifically for that order and is therefore unique.

Because of that, these stairs are not held in stock.

This is the core reason the normal 14-day withdrawal period does not apply. A custom stair is not a standard retail item that can simply be returned to inventory. It is manufactured for one specific project, with one specific set of measurements and choices.

For products made according to the customer’s wishes and specifications, the statutory exception to the right of withdrawal applies. That means bouwpakkettrappen and maatwerktrappen cannot be cancelled or returned after the agreement has been definitively concluded.

The general terms also confirm this point clearly:

For customers, the practical meaning is simple: once the order moves from planning into production, the legal position changes.

The production drawing is the key moment

Approval comes before production starts

Before production begins, you always receive production drawings for review. Production only starts after you have approved these drawings in writing.

This step is important because it gives you a clear opportunity to verify the stair before manufacturing begins. It is also the point at which the custom nature of the order becomes fully locked in.

What you are expected to check

For custom products, production drawings include the relevant measurements. The customer is fully responsible for checking:

If drawings are attached to an offer, approval of the offer counts as approval of both the drawing and the measurements. Even when there is no explicit approval, continuing with the order — for example by payment or acceptance of the schedule — can be treated as implicit approval of the drawings and dimensions.

That makes careful review essential.

Why this approval matters so much

Once production starts, material planning, manufacturing capacity, and the custom build itself are already tied to your project. In custom manufacturing generally, this is the stage where changes become difficult, expensive, or impossible without waste.

That is why the approval stage should never be treated as a formality. It is the moment to slow down, confirm every detail, and make sure the stair matches the site conditions.

Can you cancel a custom stair after approval?

The short answer is: not cost-free.

The terms state that after approval of the production drawing and/or quotation, production is started immediately. From that moment:

  1. Cancellation is no longer free of charge.
  2. If the customer cancels after that point, all costs already incurred are payable.
  3. Changes after production has started are only possible after approval of additional costs.

This is consistent with how custom-made building products usually work. Once a unique product enters production, reversing the order affects design work, materials, scheduling, and manufacturing.

What if the measurements are wrong?

This is one of the most important questions customers can ask.

According to the terms, incorrect information provided by the customer — such as measurements, photos, or construction drawings — is fully at the customer’s expense and risk. In addition, changes after approval count as additional work and can lead to extra costs and an adjusted delivery time.

That means it is wise to check more than once before giving approval. A custom stair must match the actual building situation precisely, so accuracy at the drawing stage is crucial.

What does apply to standard products and accessories?

Not every purchase is treated the same way.

For standard products and accessories sold as an addition to custom stairs, the statutory right of withdrawal does apply.

The 14-day withdrawal period for standard products

Consumers have the right to withdraw the order up to 14 days after receipt without giving a reason. After notifying the company of the withdrawal, there is then another 14 days to return the product.

After receipt and inspection of the returned product, the customer receives the full purchase amount, including the shipping costs paid for the outward shipment, within 14 days, using the same payment method as the original order.

Conditions for returning standard products

Returned products should be sent back, as far as reasonably possible:

Products may be unpacked and inspected in line with normal shop use. More extensive use can lead to diminished value.

Who pays return costs?

For standard products, return costs are for the customer’s own account.

If you want to use the right of withdrawal, you can contact info@houtentrappenwinkel.nl. It is also possible to use the statutory model withdrawal form.

Quick overview: custom stairs vs standard products

Product type Right of withdrawal Key condition
Bouwpakkettrappen No Made to order according to customer specifications
Maatwerktrappen No Production starts after approval of drawings and/or quotation
Standard products Yes, 14 days after receipt Must be returned within the legal period
Accessories Yes, 14 days after receipt Return costs are paid by the customer

Frequently asked questions about herroepingsrecht for custom stairs

Does a custom wooden stair have a 14-day cooling-off period?

No. Custom products and bouwpakkettrappen do not fall under the statutory right of withdrawal.

When does production start?

Production starts after the production drawings have been approved in writing. The terms also state that production starts after approval of the production drawing and/or quotation.

Can you return a custom stair after approval?

No. Once the agreement is definitive and production has been approved to proceed, the stair cannot be cancelled or returned under the normal withdrawal rules.

Can you still change something after approval?

Sometimes changes may still be possible, but only after approval of additional costs once production has started.

Do standard accessories have a right of withdrawal?

Yes. Standard products and accessories can be withdrawn within 14 days after receipt, subject to the applicable return conditions.

Practical tips before approving your stair drawings

If you want to avoid delays, extra costs, or disappointment, take the review stage seriously. These steps help:

1. Check every measurement carefully

Do not look only at the main height and width. Also verify:

2. Compare the drawing with the real site

A drawing can look correct on screen while still missing a practical site detail. Compare the drawing to the physical space before approval.

3. Review attached drawings when approving an offer

If an offer includes drawings, approval of the offer also means approval of the drawing and dimensions. Read the full package before saying yes.

4. Do not assume later changes will be simple

After approval, adjustments can become more work, with additional costs and potentially a different delivery time.

5. Separate custom and standard items in your planning

If you also order accessories or other standard products, remember that the return rules are different. Treat each product category according to its own conditions.

Why this policy benefits the production process

Clear approval and return rules help set proper expectations on both sides. For the customer, they create a defined checkpoint before manufacturing begins. For the manufacturer, they make it possible to start production with confidence that the technical details are confirmed.

That clarity is especially important for custom stairs, where fit, measurements, and execution are central to the final result. A stair is not just a product choice; it is a made-to-measure building component.

Customers who understand this process early are usually better prepared to review drawings properly, make decisions faster, and keep the project moving.

Before placing your order, it is also sensible to review related information such as:

These topics help you understand not only the return rules, but the full order journey from approval to delivery.

Conclusion

Understanding herroepingsrecht for custom stairs is essential before you approve your order. At Houtentrappenwinkel, bouwpakkettrappen and maatwerktrappen are produced only on order, based on customer-selected dimensions, execution, and specifications. Because they are uniquely made for the project, they fall outside the normal statutory right of withdrawal.

The most important moment is the approval of the production drawing and/or quotation. After that point, production starts, cancellation is no longer cost-free, and any later changes may involve additional costs. By contrast, standard products and accessories do come with a 14-day right of withdrawal after receipt, with return costs paid by the customer.

If you are preparing to order, take time to review your drawings carefully and confirm every measurement before giving approval. For questions about withdrawal for standard products, returns, or your order, contact info@houtentrappenwinkel.nl.