A business usually doesn’t have to let you return an item you have simply changed your mind about.
Usually when you buy a product or service, the sale is final unless the item breaches a guarantee under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The retailer doesn't have to give you a refund or exchange if:
- you change your mind
- your circumstances change
- you find cheaper products elsewhere.
When you can return products you have changed your mind about
If the store's returns policy allows it
Some stores have their own in-store policy to offer a refund, exchange or credit note for ‘change-of-mind’ purchases. Check the retailer’s returns policy or terms and conditions before you buy. Retailers can choose not to include items on special or on sale in their refund policy, eg 'no change of mind refunds on sale items'.
If you have an exchange card
If you buy a gift, you can ask for an exchange card to give with it. That way, if the recipient doesn’t like the gift, they can go back to the shop or online store and exchange it.
Exchange cards usually have an expiry date. This date is important to know because a shop or online store is not obliged to honour an exchange card after that date.
If you booked an appointment that hasn't happened yet
If you made a booking or appointment for something in advance, you may be able to cancel it and get a refund. Read the service provider’s contract or their terms and conditions to check what the rules are. Sometimes you will be charged a cancellation fee, especially if you cancel at short notice.
If you bought 'on appro'
Cash approval, or buying products ‘on appro’, means you can take the products home without committing to buying them. Discuss the terms and conditions of buying 'on appro' with the store before taking any items home.
Usually you pay for the products, but you can return them in the same condition for a full refund within a specified amount of time. Not all stores offer this service, and you'll need to ask for it. If you damage the products while you have them 'on appro' the shop can make you pay for the damage, or insist that you buy the products.
If the sale is covered by a cooling off period
Some types of sales have special legal protections under the Fair Trading Act to allow you to change your mind after the sale. This is known as the 'cooling off period'. This includes:
- layby sales
- unsolicited products and services
- door to door sales.
Mary's story — Partner doesn't want the smartphone
Mary bought a smartphone for her partner from a big retailer, and it is not what he wanted. She can’t return it unless the retailer has a returns policy that allows this.
Your rights if you change your mind about a purchase
If you change your mind about a product or service, you’re not automatically entitled to a refund or exchange.
Returning products
A retailer may let you return a product for a cash refund, an exchange or a credit note as part of their terms of trade. Ask the retailer directly if you're unsure what their returns policy is.
Cancelling a contract
Usually once you have agreed on a contract, whether it is for a service to be provided or a credit sale, you are bound by it. If you don’t want to carry on with the contract or you don’t comply with your obligations under the contract, you will be in breach of contract. This can result in a fee or other penalty, check your contract for cancellation details.
Jenny's story — Cooling off period
Jenny has a monthly text and calling plan with her mobile phone company. A sales representative from her phone company calls her and offers her a new phone — but only if she upgrades her plan to a more expensive data package. Jenny agrees to upgrade her plan. This is not a renewal agreement as key terms of the contract (prices and services) have changed. She can cancel this plan within five working days to receive a full refund and ask the company to collect the phone if she changes her mind.
If things go wrong
Go back to the business or seller to sort out the problem first. It will help if the product you have changed your mind about is still in its original state and you have a receipt, bank statement or other evidence (such as original packaging) as proof of purchase.
The seller might offer you a credit note instead of giving you a refund.
Next steps
If you can’t resolve your issue directly with the business, the Disputes Tribunal or District Court may be your next step.
Get support at any point from:
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – this is a free, independent service, run by volunteers. CAB can advise you on your consumer rights and obligations, in person, by phone, or online.
- Community Law Centre – this service offers free one-on-one legal advice to people with limited finances. The organisation has 24 community law centres throughout the country. You can find legal information and other resources on its website.
A CAB near you(external link) – Citizens Advice Bureau
Our law centres(external link) – Community Law Centres