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When Am I Not Entitled to a Refund?

By: Sarah Clark (ILEX) - Updated: 5 Oct 2022 | comments*Discuss
 
Refund Sale And Supply Of Goods Act

It seems that most people buy things in the expectation that they will be fully entitled to get their money back by way of a full refund if there are any problems, if the item isn’t suitable or they just change their mind. You would probably be surprised at how many common scenarios there are that you would expect entitle you to a refund...but in fact don’t.

The Sofa Won’t Fit in the House!

Oh dear. If you buy a sofa, a bed or anything else that needs to be a certain size to fit where you want it to go, the responsibility is on you to make sure that the item will fit through the door, or will go up the stairs. Or fit into the place in the kitchen where you wanted it to go, in the case of appliances like washing machines or dishwashers.

If the furniture doesn’t fit, you have a big problem and will have to do some serious negotiating with the retailer as the law doesn’t say that the goods you buy have to be fit for your purposes, just that they must be fit for the purpose which they are commonly intended – unless you specifically request something.

So, if you are told by a furniture retailer that a sofa is four feet long, and you have a space four and a bit feet long intended for it, you would be within your rights to complain if it didn’t fit because the sofa was longer than it had been described. But if you don’t measure the space and just assume that it will fit, you will have to fall on the mercy of the retailer and you may have to accept a credit note. By law, the retailer doesn’t even have to give you that, let alone a refund. The moral of the story is always, always measure up if size is crucial. The same applies to curtains, bed covers and carpets.

The Dress Doesn’t Fit Me!

When you buy clothes without trying them on, always check first whether the store has a policy that allows you an exchange or refund if you are not happy or change your mind. The Sale and Supply of Goods Act only entitles you to a refund or any kind of redress if the goods that you buy are ‘not of satisfactory quality’ and if there’s nothing wrong with the dress or shoes that you’ve bought – except that it doesn’t fit you – you are legally entitled to absolutely nothing. Most stores are lenient with their policies but it pays to check, as anything over and above your legal rights under the Sale and Supply of Goods Act is at the discretion of the shop.

It’s Gone Wrong and I’ve Only Had it Six Months!

The Sale and Supply of Goods Act does say that if an item is faulty, and it’s less than six months old, as a rule you should be entitled to compensation from the retailer as it’s judged to have been faulty when you purchased it.

The entitlement to compensation has to be reasonable though, so if you have bought something perishable, or something you wouldn’t usually expect to last for six months, you can’t rely on this. Even if you buy something that you would reasonably expect to last more than six months, and it goes wrong, a refund isn’t the obvious answer.

If the item becomes faulty very quickly, or has never worked, you would be fully justified in demanding a refund. But if you have had a television for five months before it develops a problem, you’ve had five months use from that set and can’t reasonably insist on your money back – although it never hurts to try for a refund first. In that scenario, you may have to accept a repair – or a replacement television if the set can’t be repaired.

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I have purchased a leather 3+2 seater sofa 6 weeks ago. Delivery waiting time is 10.12 weeks . Now the price has gone down in a sale. Can I ask for the sale price.
Ali - 5-Oct-22 @ 11:02 AM
Purchased a sofa 28th November 2021 £2300 The material is now saggy and stretched the retailer have said it’s my fault as I should smooth it out everytime I sit on it I’ve asked for a different sofa or a refund NO I’m in the wrong for not looking after it ???
Kazzy - 6-Sep-22 @ 4:44 PM
Hi have just paid for an ex display sofa in next . Got hometo measure the space and it's to big . I haven't picked up the sofa yet .as we have to sort delivery out . CanI get a refund.I the item as not left the store
Becca g - 14-Jul-22 @ 5:27 AM
I bought a sofa two years ago, in that time the seating has collapsed and an engineer has been twice re webbed and put extra foam in. The third time the engineer came out they deemed it not fit for purpose, they also said they don’t stock this make any more and they have had other problems. They gave me two options! Option 1 they can try to fix it again with stronger foam and webbing Option 2 I can choose a new sofa from their store, I will be charged a usage fee for my useless and uncomfortable sofa. The store has no sofas to my liking so I have requested a refund as I have seen another elsewhere. They refused!!! My question is am I entitled to a refund
Fergies - 22-May-21 @ 8:56 PM
I bought a sofa 2 years ago and I have had an engineer out twice to re web and put extra foam, after the sofa failing again the shop have said the sofa isn’t fit for purpose. The store have offered to replace for another sofa of our choice and charge a usage fee or try to put more webbing again. Despite endless visits the store has absolutely nothing suitable. I have requested a refund, the store have refused. Are we entitled
Mrs F - 21-May-21 @ 9:03 PM
While walking around woodgreen, I went to the stove selling furniture, I was looking there was a sofa set in the showroom, I asked the man how much money the man sold me the seat, how it was, I went out I went back I canceled my money and the man talked again I lowered it a little more I looked again I bought the seat, they brought the delivery 3 hours later the same day They left and left immediately when they did not give it, I looked at my room, I looked for a very small rip in my room, come back, take my seat, give me my money, what can I do for it
Zeynep - 10-Dec-20 @ 2:15 PM
Bought a sofa and a chair 18 months ago we noticed sagging on all of it within 8/1” months, the shop came and took it away, they said although they didn’t think they hadan issue they said they would tighten the straps... after another 3 or so months, our sofa seemed to be fading ( patchy) in areas, it went back and I had a phone call to say it looks fine in their warehouse and would be delivering it back.. they have pics of how bad it looks in our lounge but saidthey will replace cushion covers as they look darker.!! I’ve said I don’t want it back and would like a refund.... twice back to the warehouse in Wales and I still have only 8 months left of my 2 year guarantee .!!! It cost £1500 July 19 I ask your advice please.Thank you
Chris - 5-Nov-20 @ 9:02 AM
Purchased an exspensive Ulster Wilton carpet from Bradbeers, 5 months had passed and the carpet was wearing badly in places and tufts of carpet were appearing on the carpet. Phoned Bradbeers and explained to them the problem. They sent their carpet salesman out. As soon as he came into the house he saw the problem straight away and said "I can see where you're talking about before you even tell me and that is not right, there is definitely something wrong with the carpet or maybe the underlay" The underlay we bought is what they advised us. Bradbeers said that before they could go any further Ulster will need to test the carpet batch. Weeks went by and we heard nothing. We'd kept calling Bradbeers and their answer was "we have to follow Ulsters policy so it's out of our hands and you need to understand this is a slow process" - that's an understatement! We have tufts of carpet coming out quicker than a cat melting, we have holes appearing all over the carpet and the fitting is awful. So our now 7 month old carpet looks 7 years old. Ulster claim their tests show that there is no manufacturing fault. Bradbeers are not happy with Ulster so in the new year want to send an independent carpet tester out, however they have admitted there is clearly a fault in the carpet, so Nearly 2 months later, numerous phone calls to Bradbeers, also been over to see Bradbeers in person they have reluctantly decided to replace. We do not want another Ulster because of the poor quality of this one. We have chosen a carpet by a different manufacturer which is costing us more, and as the underlay needs to be different we are having to pay for that too. So it has come to nearly £1000 we are going to pay Bradbeers. We have never seen any return terms and conditions, we cannot find any on their website, we have no paperwork with any policy on. All we have is them saying to us "we won't give your money back we will only replace " So we are having to replace due to major defects in this Ulster carpet, that is through no fault of ours. Yet we are having to pay for it. Can someone advise please.
Lisa - 22-Dec-19 @ 8:51 PM
In September 2019 we had wardrobes fitted in the main bedroom by Sharps at a cost of £3300. We can no longer use them due to bad condensation, we have black mould and damp all up the back walls of the wardrobes (Sharps do not put backs on their fitted wardrobes) and mould on our shoes and clothes. The doors have also dropped and are out of line. I emailed Sharps with the problem and asked them what they plan to do about it. Today I received a phone call to tell me there's nothing they can do and that it's a life style problem. They advised that I should get a small heater or put air vents in the wardrobes and admitted that this is what they have advised other customers to do in the past and it seems to work. We do have a fitter coming out in a few days to fix the doors and were told if we buy the vents he would fit them. We do not have a damp problem in our home or a condensation problem, the house is dry. The only issue we have is condensation in the wardrobes. We have asked Sharps to remove the wardrobes and to give us a full refund, they have refused. Can anyone advise if we are entitled to a refund? I believe we are as the wardrobes are not fit for purpose and at no time were we advised this could be a problem either from the visit from their salesman, the visit from their surveyor or their fitter. Thank you
Notsosharp - 11-Dec-19 @ 12:36 AM
I purchased a sofa from Harvey's which I received in December 18. It's leather and it looks older than it it and sagging. They sent a technician out to have a look but need to wait and see what they say. What are my rights should this happen to my sofa already?
Don - 7-May-19 @ 1:51 PM
I bought a sofa that would easily fit into my room. I was given very basic measurements by the seller. I have a normal hallway and you only have to walk 10 feet before my living room. I have sofas now that were delivered easy enough, I didn’t expect there to be any issues. The delivery men turned up today and said they couldn’t get it in. It didn’t come apart like I would have thought . The only way to get it in was to take my window out. I had to pay £45 for the delivery men to deliver nothing. I was then told I would have to pay £50 for them to try again to deliver it as well as paying someone to remove my window! I have asked for a refund (apart from the delivery fee which I accept I have lost now) they are flat out refusing and now telling me I have to pay storage costs until I collect them. I paid with a credit card so am I entitled to a refund seeing as I haven’t even had the goods.
Sad lady - 12-Mar-19 @ 3:39 PM
I had 2 sofas delivered on the 18th July and the cushions on the back have gone lumpy and misshapen. The company came out to replace then and tried to put a cushion that was too big and a different shape into one of the covers. This has caused the zip to go wavy. On inspection the other cushion winners have homes in them. I have contacted Trading Standards and they have said I am entitled to a full refund but the company is still trying to wriggle out of it even though one if their staff told me that the cushions used were of poor quality and they no longer use that manufacturer for that reason. Will I get a refund?
Anna - 2-Aug-18 @ 4:53 PM
Tumble dryerfaulty in first month 3 call outs... now 13 months old having same fault again... now out of warranty.... not happy with product...poor build quality... what next as now ball in.my court
Jacks - 2-Apr-18 @ 4:12 PM
Purchased a door mid August last yr. Had it fitted but found many faults. They ended up changing the complete door only to fibd furtherfaults. They say another one is in the process of being made for the 3rd time but never answer my calls or emails . Ad when I do manage to talk to themthey keep saying they will get back to me on the update but never do unless I keep ringing. Am I entitled to my money back? Get someone in with the moneyto replace it and get them to pick up there faulty door
Spike - 11-Mar-18 @ 7:59 PM
I put down a deposit for a prom dress and now I’m changing my mind. Do you think they will let me change the deposit to another dress ?
Jess - 19-Feb-18 @ 8:21 PM
I bought a secret diary 2/8/17 which was to be given as a Christmas present. It has now proven faulty, however the retailer says 90 days is the return policy for faulty goods , and Christmas returns policy only applies to goods bought November onwards , would this seem unfair as it had not been used until Christmas day. Many thanks.
Lady - 14-Feb-18 @ 4:58 PM
Spikes - Your Question:
I took my curtains for alterations. When they were rehung they were uneven at the finished hem and the centre curtains now look shabby. They were not cheap to buy and he has charged £50. I asked for a refund, he said bring them back he would put them right! How, when they made a mess in the first instance? Can I get a refund please.

Our Response:
You should give him a chance to rectify the issue before demanding a refund.
ConsumerRightsExpert - 26-Jan-18 @ 10:09 AM
I took my curtains for alterations.When they were rehung they were uneven at the finished hem and the centre curtains now look shabby.They were not cheap to buy and he has charged £50 .I asked for a refund, he said bring them back he would put them right!How, when they made a mess in the first instance?Can I get a refund please.
Spikes - 24-Jan-18 @ 8:54 AM
Richie- Your Question:
I have purchased a laminate floor online which was labelled as express click. My carpenter quoted me a price for this type of flooring. The flooring arrived and the carpenter came to start work. He then noticed the flooring was not express click and informed me he was unable to fit the floor alone due to the type and required an extra man to complete the job. I contacted the company and requested a refund. Having no response I instructed my carpenter to starts works agreeing to pay him extra for the additional labour required as I could clearly see he was unable to fit it himself. I then received a reply the following confirming the flooring had been incorrectly advertised and apologising and offering a refund. At this point it was too late so I requested a refund of the additional costs to me to have the floor fitted explaining the scenario. They refused and offered me the cost of two packs of flooring as a gesture of goodwill. Do I have any rights to persure this further. As I am out of pocket due to their incorrect advertising ?

Our Response:
It would have been better to call the company for a repsonse - how long did you wait? It's not clear from your comment.
ConsumerRightsExpert - 8-Dec-17 @ 3:26 PM
I have purchased a laminate floor online which was labelled as express click. My carpenter quoted me a price for this type of flooring. The flooring arrived and the carpenter came to start work. He then noticed the flooring was not express click and informed me he was unable to fit the floor alone due to the type and required an extra man to complete the job. I contacted the company and requested a refund. Having no response I instructed my carpenter to starts works agreeing to pay him extra for the additional labour required as I could clearly see he was unable to fit it himself. I then received a reply the following confirming the flooring had been incorrectly advertised and apologising and offering a refund. At this point it was too late so I requested a refund of the additional costs to me to have the floor fitted explaining the scenario. They refused and offered me the cost of two packs of flooring as a gesture of goodwill. Do i have any rights to persure this further. As I am out of pocket due to their incorrect advertising ?
Richie - 7-Dec-17 @ 9:45 PM
I ordered made to measure bifold wardrobe doors. Once fitted they do not close and the edges are very sharp, with a very poor finish. Supplier has tried to alter fitting but agrees they are not fit for purpose. The manufacturer says it's a fitting issue and won't come out and see the doors. Stalemate- leaving me with poor quality, expensive, non closing doors! What can I do?
Elaine - 1-Nov-17 @ 10:14 PM
With reference to my previous comment, no it was not made to measure. The website offers items made to order in set sizes (9-12m, 12-18m etc). I ordered 12-18m as this is the size I order from other made to order websites and high street stores. The items from this website are at least 3cm shorter than clothes from other retailers.
Unhappy - 20-Oct-17 @ 2:25 PM
Unhappy - Your Question:
On 1st September I ordered some handmade clothes for my baby. They arrived on 19th October (website states 4-6 week turnaround). They are way too small. I ordered 12-18m. In comparison with various other brands of clothes they are very small, more like 6-9m. The company won't offer an exchange or refund. I would argue that the clothes are not as described, as they are not anywhere near to being the average 12-18m sizing. Am I entitled to an exchange or refund? Thanks

Our Response:
When you say they were handmade, were they "made to measure " for your baby? In which case, did the retailer take measurements etc?
ConsumerRightsExpert - 20-Oct-17 @ 2:22 PM
On 1st September I ordered some handmade clothes for my baby. They arrived on 19th October (website states 4-6 week turnaround). They are way too small. I ordered 12-18m. In comparison with various other brands of clothes they are very small, more like 6-9m. The company won't offer an exchange or refund. I would argue that the clothes are not as described, as they are not anywhere near to being the average 12-18m sizing. Am I entitled to an exchange or refund? Thanks
Unhappy - 20-Oct-17 @ 12:46 PM
Rs - Your Question:
I recently made a hair appointment which requires a £40 deposit to secure.The appointment was made on Thursday and I was due to attend on Sunday at 9am. I received a text from the stylist at 11pm on Saturday evening saying that she would need to push the appointment back to 1pm on Sunday. I replied and said that this was not possible because I was travelling on Sunday evening to attend a wedding abroad and this was the reason why I booked the earliest slot available. I then requested a refund of my deposit. I was then told that I would not be able to get a refund due to the fact that she had already purchased the hair extensions required.i explained again that incouod not attend and that the cancellation was no fault of mine I also mentioned that she gave less than 24 hours notice etc.how do I go about getting my money back as she is no longer responding

Our Response:
If she will not refund you, you may need to consider the small claims court. Hopefully the threat of doing so, will compel the stylish to refund you.
ConsumerRightsExpert - 9-Oct-17 @ 12:47 PM
I recently made a hair appointment which requires a £40 deposit to secure. The appointment was made on Thursday and I was due to attend on Sunday at 9am. I received a text from the stylist at 11pm on Saturday evening saying that she would need to push the appointment back to 1pm on Sunday. I replied and said that this was not possible because I was travelling on Sunday evening to attend a wedding abroad and this was the reason why I booked the earliest slot available. I then requested a refund of my deposit. I was then told that I would not be able to get a refund due to the fact that she had already purchased the hair extensions required.i explained again that incouod not attend and that the cancellation was no fault of mine I also mentioned that she gave less than 24 hours notice etc...how do I go about getting my money back as she is no longer responding
Rs - 8-Oct-17 @ 1:43 AM
We had a composite front door fitted 2 months ago for a lovely £1500. The company had to come out a month ago to re-sit the door as it was catching at the top. They also replaced the chrome handle which has started to Pitt. They are due back agin on Friday as the screws holding the house number in place have all gone rusty! And tonight is the final straw....its raining and water is coming into our hall way via the doors windows. It is going to ruin the hall flooring. I will be phoning the company first thing in the morning. Am I entitled to a refund,compensation, can I get them to pay for new flooring etc. I have taken photos and videos as evidence. Thank you
Colin - 4-Oct-17 @ 11:00 PM
Disappointed - Your Question:
I recently bought a fitted kitchen supply only from an independent supplier, As I started to fit the the units it became quickly apparent that there were problems, chipped laminate edges, scuffs, black marks, holes. I contacted them and they came out,Firstly said that some of the damage would not be seen when fitted, but agreed to take it back and remake. 2 weeks later it came back with some panels replaced but the black mark had just been sanded out making the finish shiny and some chips just filled and the edges are still chipping. I am so disappointed as this was a big investment. What I wanted to know is, I have started cutting the units to fit pipe work etc would I still be able to say the quality of the goods and workmanship are not up to standard and return the lot and get a refund.

Our Response:
If the faults have only become apparent after you started fitting them, you should still be able to get a refund.
ConsumerRightsExpert - 25-Sep-17 @ 12:31 PM
I recently bought a fitted kitchen supply only from an independent supplier, As I started to fit the the units it became quickly apparent that there were problems, chipped laminate edges, scuffs, black marks, holes . I contacted them and they came out,Firstly said that some of the damage would not be seen when fitted, but agreed to take it back and remake. 2 weeks later it came back with some panels replacedbut the black mark had just been sanded out making the finish shiny and some chips just filled and the edges are still chipping. I am so disappointed as this was a big investment. What I wanted to know is, I have started cutting the units to fit pipe work etc would I still be able to say the quality of the goods and workmanship are not up to standard and return the lot and get a refund.
Disappointed - 22-Sep-17 @ 9:36 AM
We recentlyvisited a wedding dress shop for my daughters wedding. She had seen a very specific blue dress.When we asked for this dress we were told that that designer did not produce the dress to her size. We were dissapointed so the retailer told us she would tryand source asimilar dress elsewhere. At the same my wife tried on a dress ,liked it and ordered it in the colour Blue. When my wife's dress arrived we were informed that a blue wedding dress in my daughters size had been found. . my daughter tried this dress on liked it as did my wife hers . however it was not identical to her original choice. We were told this could not be achieved as it may infringe design copyright if supplied by another manufacturer. We asked for alterations to be made to make it closer to original choice. This was agreed but we were told we must pay for dress prior to alteration.We paid for both dresses and my wife took hers home. Four weeks later we returned for a first fitting but did not feel right about the alterationwe asked for all money back . we were told this was only a first post alteration fitting and that details were still to be added after this sizing was confirmed. At same time we happens to have my mothers dress in car and as we may have to change our colour scheme demanded a refund on that too.We have no problem with quality of this dress but colour would be wrong.Can I take legal action please.
Pd - 24-Aug-17 @ 10:41 AM
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