7 Myth-Busting Facts Around Refund Rights From Switcher.ie’s Consumer Expert

This Saturday is World Consumer Rights Day, and with the CCPC revealing that 1 in 4 shoppers are still unsure of their rights when returning faulty goods, Switcher.ie shares seven myth-busting facts around refund rights, including how long you’re protected under consumer law and when you’re entitled to a full refund.

1. Gift recipients now have equal rights

Under new legislation introduced in 2022, gift recipients now have exactly the same rights as the original buyer. If you have proof of purchase, and your gift turns out to be faulty, you can return it for a repair, exchange or refund.

2. Buying online means additional refund rights

If you buy something online, you have more rights than buying from a high street store. You’re entitled to a 14 day ‘cooling-off period’, which means you can return the item within that time, even if you’ve just had a change of heart. This is because you can’t view the goods before committing to purchase.

3. A major fault entitles you to a full refund

If your purchase turns out to be faulty or not fit for purpose and the seller can’t repair or replace it, you’re entitled to a full refund.

You’re also entitled to an automatic refund if the product you’ve bought has a major fault or the shop can’t repair or replace it in a reasonable time.

Though many retailers will do so out of goodwill, unfortunately, you have no rights if you have a change of heart, so always double-check the returns policy before buying.

4. A receipt is not the only proof of purchase

If you need to provide proof of purchase, scrambling to find a crumpled receipt isn’t the only option – remember you can also provide a debit or credit card statement or an emailed order confirmation.

5. You must get your refund within 14 days

If you’re due a refund, you must receive it within 14 days, and you have the right to insist it’s in the same form as the original payment. For example, if you paid in cash, the retailer is obliged to refund you in cash.

6. After buying a faulty good, your rights last 6 years

Though redress rights are stronger in the first 30 days and the first year after making a purchase, under consumer law, you’re still protected for up to six years after buying a faulty product, with the retailer responsible for resolving the issue.

7. Warranties are separate from consumer rights

Though product guarantees and warranties sold by retailers can offer added protection, they are separate from your statutory rights.

Even if a product guarantee or warranty has expired, you may still be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.

Switcher.ie’s consumer champion, Eoin Clarke, comments:

“Knowing your refund rights means a better chance of securing an exchange or a refund when things go wrong, meaning not a cent of your hard-earned cash goes to waste.

You’re entitled to a full refund if a product has a major fault or the retailer can’t repair or replace it. While redress rights are stronger in the first month and year after purchase, you’re still protected for up to six years under consumer law.

Remember, a bank statement or email confirmation of your order also counts as proof of purchase and buying online entitles you to additional rights, like 14 days to change your mind, with no questions asked.”