Your Right to a Refund...

Right to 30 Day Refund Becomes Law

The Consumer Rights Act means that anybody who buys faulty goods will be entitled to a full refund for up to 30 days after the purchase. This has been changed from a previously undefined length of a “reasonable time.”

This also newly applies to digital content, such as ebooks, films, games, etc. All customers will be entitled to a full refund or replacement if the goods are faulty. The Act has also changed laws regarding second-hand goods when bought through a retailer – so it will be easier to get a refund on items purchased in pawn shops, etc.

Hannah Maundrell, of money.co.uk, put it simply: “The party really is over for retailers that try to argue the point.”

The Consumer Rights Act demands that goods:

• Need to be of satisfactory quality. This is based on what a reasonable person would expect, considering the price.

• Must be ‘fit for purpose.’ If he consumer has a particular purpose in mind, he or she must make that clear.

• Must meet the expectations of the customer.

As well as applying to physical and digital products, the new Act also covers services – this ranges from everything from a boiler repair, to a haircut, to having your car cleaned.

Should the consumer discover a fault within 30 days, they will be entitled to a full refund. This is certainly good news for anybody who has found themselves disappointed after a purchase but has left it ‘too late’ to ask for a refund. It should also, theoretically, put extra pressure on retailers to ensure that all goods are functioning properly.

For more legal advice, keep an eye on our resources.

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This article is for general information only and does not constitute specific advice. You should not rely on the information in this article. Fiona Bruce Solicitors recommends that you seek our specific advice if you wish to rely on the any part of this article. Whilst Fiona Bruce Solicitors makes every effort to ensure that the article is accurate, Fiona Bruce Solicitors excludes all liability for claim, loss, demands or damages of any kind whatsoever (whether such claims, loss, demands or damages were foreseeable, known or otherwise) arising out of or in connection with the use of this article or any other information contained on this website. Any information provided only applies to England and Wales.