Can I return goods during the Pandemic?
Sophie Wilson | Paralegal
The current restrictions mean many non-essential retailers are closing across the UK, and therefore you may not be able to return your purchase. However, quite helpfully, a number of retailers are already offering an extended Christmas returns policy.
What are your consumer rights?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you when you buy goods and services. These are rights by law, and retailers cannot change this.
When you buy goods, they must be:
- a) Of satisfactory quality as described
- b) They must be fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time
This applies even if you buy something in a sale or with a discount voucher. Every customer when they buy something, regardless of how cheap or expensive, is protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What are your statutory rights when returning goods?
The most important statutory rights for returning your shopping comes from two pieces of legislation which are the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
These two regulations cover the return of unwanted goods bought online and your right to return faulty goods bought online or from a store.
Online returns
If your item was bought online, over the phone or by mail order, as a customer you have consumer returns rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. This gives you a cancellations period that starts the moment your place your order and ends 14 days from the day you receive your goods.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of shops have decided to extend their returns policy to allow customers who may not see each other over the Christmas break to return unwanted or faulty goods. It is important that you check this from the company before you buy if you are unsure.
If you are unsure if you have a claim under the Consumer Rights Act, please contact Josiah Hincks Solicitors and a member of the litigation team will be able to advise on 0116 255 1811 or info@josiahhincks.co.uk
You can learn more about our Litigation team here.
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