Do shops have to give me my money back?
When you buy something from a shop you are entering into a legally binding contract. Therefore they don’t have to give you a refund simply because you have changed your mind. Only if one of your statutory rights is breached (i.e. that the item is damaged, of poor quality or not fit for purpose) do they have to give you your money back.
Shops will often tell you they will only give a refund on production of proof of purchase. Don’t be mislead into thinking this must be a till receipt. It can be a bank or credit card statement, although you may run into difficulties if it is for a different amount than that of the item you are trying to return.
More Common Complaints
- They say I’ve taken ownership so it’s my responsibility
- The shop doesn’t want to know, they say it is the manufacturer’s responsibility.
- It’s second hand – do I have any rights?
Comment by Thelma Jordan on 17 November 2008:
I bought a saucepan on Saturday, 15th Nov at around 2pm at my local Morrisons store in Totton, Southampton. Having read the leaflet attached to the saucepan and realising that the handle was going to get hot when cooking with it, I decided to return it complete with all packaging and unopened on Sunday, 16th Nov at 1pm. I was told I could have a refund by way of a voucher which I was quite happy about since I shop in this store about twice a week, but was not happy when informed I had to spend the voucher before closing time on the same day, which I found very irritating since I was on my way out to meet friends for Sunday lunch.
Please advise if the store was right to tell me when I could spend this voucher.
Comment by Catriona on 19 November 2008:
Thelma, When buying something in a shop you are entering into a legally binding contract of sale, and for this reason, they don’t have to give you anything just because you change your mind (only if it is in breach of your statutory rights). Therefore, although it seems a little ridiculous, they are entitled to do this.