Returning unwanted items may get tougher

COMMENT

NOW that at least some of our shops are open again it’s probably a good idea to remind you of the rights you have as consumers if you go to a shop and buy something that you subsequently have to return.

The starting point is to understand that there is a difference between the rights you have when you take back goods that are faulty and the rights that you have when you take back something that just doesn’t fit, or where you have decided that you don’t like it.

If you return goods because you’ve changed your mind, for whatever reason, then you have no rights at all under consumer law.

You will only be able to refund or exchange goods if the retailer allows it, and even then you might have to jump through hoops and make sure that you have the original packaging or a receipt.

I would imagine that many retailers will think about changing the rules they currently have in force in relation to returning items that don’t fit, or that we just don’t want, while there is still a virus out there.

If they do then it makes it really important that you check what you’re buying before you part with any hardearned cash.

It will also be really important that you check out what the shop’s returns policy is while you are still there. There is no point getting home, trying something on then taking it back only to discover that the retailer has changed its policy on returns and you’re stuck with something that you don’t like or that doesn’t fit you.

We’re all going to have to get used to a new way of shopping as retailers open their doors again.

Your consumer rights as laid out in the Consumer Rights Act won’t have changed at all but when you take items back that you don’t want, and that are not faulty, you are not covered under the Consumer Rights Act anyway and retailers will do what they have to do through these strange times to protect their businesses.