Can we still bag a bargain on a big-ticket item?
QMy husband and I are looking to buy a new kitchen in the sales. What protection will we have if we need to return an expensive sale item such as this?
AThe good news is you have the same rights if you buy your kitchen in the sales as you would when buying it new. However, take note of why it’s on sale. If goods are reduced in price because of a fault that’s pointed out to you at the time of purchase, it’s not possible to claim a refund at a later date on this basis.
So, on what grounds can you legitimately return your new kitchen? Changing your mind, or falling out of love with your purchase, is not enough. Some stores have a returns policy, but may refuse to help in this scenario. If there is a returns policy, there’s usually a time limit imposed on returning non-faulty sale items, normally around the 28-day mark.
If you buy something that has a fault you weren’t aware of, you have the right to return it and ask for a replacement or satisfactory repair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. There’s also a possibility of a full refund if it’s been returned within 30 days.
For online purchases, you’ll have additional rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. You can cancel most orders at any time from the moment you pay until 14 days after delivery but will be responsible for returning your item within 14 days of cancelling and should be fully refunded within 14 days.