Shop & Pay

A person sits at a desk in front of an open laptop. One hand rests on their head. On the table are additional work devices, including a second monitor in the foreground. The background reveals a bright office space with windows and blurred furniture.

"Not Worth It Anymore" Why Many Retailers Suddenly Stop Shipping Abroad in the EU

New EU regulations are causing more and more small online shops to stop shipping to other EU countries.

Go, More, Extra and Max New Subscription Models at ING! End of Free Accounts?

ING Plans New Checking Account Models for Germany: What Customers Might Expect by Mid-2027 and Unanswered Questions

The barcode on products reveals quite a bit of information.

Hidden Message The Secret Mark on Kaufland Barcodes and What It Reveals

A line on the barcode of Kaufland price tags apparently indicates how long a product will remain in the assortment.

New EU Packaging Rules Take Effect Aug. 12–Including in Supermarkets

New EU Rules Effective Aug. 12 What's Changing with Supermarket Packaging

The EU Tightens Packaging Regulations The EU is tightening regulations on packaging. Manufacturers will now need to provide more justification for the materials, size, and recycling of their products.

In Germany and Austria Amazon Launches New Installment Payment Option With PayPal

Amazon to Introduce PayPal Installment Payments in August 2026 Find out the terms and potential costs associated with this new payment option.

Scandalous eBay Ordered to Pay Over $50 Million After Bullying Incident

A U.S. blogger couple is awarded more than $50 million following an intimidation campaign by former eBay employees.

Reform New Law Forces Banks–ATMs to Be Completely Overhauled

ATMs, websites, and shops must become more accessible. The EU is also making cash withdrawals easier and increasing transparency.

An Amazon package in front of a doorstep

Amazon Customers Concerned How the Dangerous "Brushing" Trick Works

At Amazon and other online retailers, a practice known as "brushing" can occur. We explain this phenomenon.

New Ruling Google Must Pay for Fake Shop

Because they can appear in search results, Google must now be held accountable for a fake shop. A court has ruled this.

Hotels, Rental Cars and Apps Girocard Set for a Revolution! New Features Coming in 2027

The Girocard is set to receive new features starting in 2027. Planned additions include apps, travel bookings, and digital age verification.

What Should the New Euro Banknotes Look Like? The ECB Wants Your Opinion.

Culture or Nature? You Decide What the New Euro Banknotes Will Look Like

The European Central Bank is planning new euro banknotes. We can vote on the design until Sept. 21.

A new wave of phishing is currently targeting Sparkasse customers. Criminals are sending deceptively realistic emails in an attempt to obtain sensitive online banking data.

Security Alert Attention, Savings Bank Customers: This Email Could Empty Your Account

Warning: Criminals are sending deceptively authentic emails to Sparkasse customers in an attempt to obtain sensitive online banking data.

Berlin, Cologne, Munich, ... Galeria Plans to Close 33 Stores: These Locations Are Affected

Galeria is reviewing 33 stores in Germany. If negotiations with landlords fail, more locations could close.

Jeff Bezos Still Laughs About a Special Amazon Order

Even Jeff Bezos had to laugh. The Craziest Amazon Order of All Time

In the early months after the company's founding, there was an extremely peculiar Amazon order. In 2002, Jeff Bezos recounted the story.

A browser add-on is set to assist with Amazon shopping in the future.

Browser Add-on "Knockoff" for Amazon! Free Tool Automatically Filters Dubious Products

Knockoff is a browser extension that filters out questionable brands on Amazon. It aims to protect consumers from making poor purchasing decisions.

Always be courteous to the staff, whether at the supermarket or in a restaurant.

The Unsugarcoated Truth! What Annoyed Me Most as a Cashier

From deposit slips to checkout dividers: These 11 habits regularly test cashiers' patience–but are easily avoidable.

Sparkasse Changes Authorization for Credit Card Payments

For Greater Security Sparkasse Warns: Failure to Act Could Prevent Online Payments

The Sparkasse is discontinuing the S-ID-Check app. Anyone who wants to continue making online payments with a credit card must transition by the end of 2026.

Be Careful! Volkswagen Issues Warning to Car Owners

Volkswagen Warns of Fake Websites in Car Purchases Volkswagen is cautioning consumers about fraudulent websites when buying cars. Scammers are using deceptively realistic sites and contacts to mislead buyers.

Current Phishing Scams Threaten Numerous Bank Customers

Warning for Millions of Users How Risky Is Mobile Banking on Your Smartphone?

The number of cyberattacks on Android smartphones is rising sharply. Why mobile banking is becoming riskier and how to protect yourself.

Choking Hazard! Recall at Media Markt and Saturn! Caution with These Devices

Certain smoothie makers sold by Media Markt and Saturn may pose a safety risk and should be inspected.

DHL Group Calls Again for 23-Kilo Limit on Packages

Relief for Delivery Workers DHL Calls for Weight Limit! Millions of Package Customers Could Be Affected

DHL is advocating for a legal limit of 23 kilograms for packages. This would change how many customers ship heavier parcels.

What Customers Need to Know Traditional Name Disappears! Major Change at Deutsche Post

Deutsche Post to Be Renamed DHL: What’s Behind the Name Change and Its Impact on the Company

Current Incident Lidl Hacked! What Customers Need to Know Now

A Lidl IT service provider was hacked, compromising numerous customers' personal information.

Is the mail being delivered on time? The Federal Network Agency currently cannot verify this.

Court Ruling Slows Postal Inspection Mail Delivery Times Not Verifiable Until 2028

Whether letters are actually delivered on time cannot currently be independently verified. A lost legal battle is to blame.

More and More People Are Falling for Fake Shops

Psychologically Explainable Why So Many Fall for Fake Shops

Fake shops use professional design and psychological tricks. Learn how to spot them and protect yourself with TECHBOOK.

Cryptonow crypto gift cards are now available for purchase at MediaMarkt and Saturn.

Bitcoin in the Electronics Market MediaMarkt and Saturn Now Selling Crypto Gift Cards

Cryptocurrencies Become More Accessible: MediaMarkt and Saturn Now Sell Gift Cards for Bitcoin and Other Digital Currencies

You can sell furniture, electronics, houses, and cars on classified ads. However, the platform does not allow alcohol and weapons.

Shopping Is Getting More Expensive New Fee for Online Shopping Takes Effect Immediately

For international orders from companies like Temu and Shein, a customs duty of 3 euros per product category will be charged.

Jamil Ghani, VP of Amazon Prime International

Techbook Interview Amazon Prime Chief Reveals Germany's Most Popular Products

Right on time for Amazon Prime Day 2026, TECHBOOK spoke with Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime International.

A cat traveled 1,000 kilometers across the U.S. in an Amazon return package (example image).

Accidentally Packed Cat Travels 1,000 Kilometers Through the U.S. in Amazon Return

A cat in the U.S. was sent over 1,000 kilometers across the country in an Amazon return package. The curious case.

Whether you need to verify your payment with a PIN or a signature follows clear rules.

Did You Know? Why Signatures Are Nearly Obsolete in Card Payments

When paying by card, a PIN is required, while a signature is now rarely needed. Here's why and what's behind it.