Refund Notices...

[HaizeyDays]

Is it illegal for shops to put notices in windows saying that they will not offer a refund? If so, what is the relevant legislation?

Many thanks,

KHT

[Ethel]

There are very limited circumstances where a no refund policy is legal and a shop cannot refuse to refund faulty or damaged goods except where the goods have been sold at a reduced price because of that particular fault or damage.

For example - you buy a skirt reduced from �50 to �5 and there is a little tag stating it is reduced because the zip is faulty.

It is illegal to put a notice in the shop window stating 'no refunds' with no further explanation.

However, a shop is not obliged to refund just because the buyer has changed their mind, or the gift recipient doesn't like it - the shop is only legally obliged to refund if the goods are faulty, not as described or unfit for the purpose they were sold (unless there is a sign inthe shop stating goods can be returned for a refund for any reason within a time frame).

It is mainly the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations

[sandmaster]

Nice to see you back Ethel.
Is it illegal to display the notice - or illegal to refuse the refund?
Personally I would just not buy from a shop which displays such a notice as I would expect problems if I needed a refund.

[kags]

The notice is illegal and could be reported to trading standards - however, you may find that there is small print on the notice stating that your statutory rights are unaffected ie that you may still receive a refund for faulty goods.

[HaizeyDays]

Thankyou all, particularly Ethel!
That is smashing stuff,
KHT

[R1Geezer]

They can put what they like in the window, don't make it legal. Goods must be fit for purpose, end of. As Ethel says you cannot demand a refund just because you change your mind but you can if there is a fault for example.

[Blackthorn]

The company I work for have a 'no refunds' policy in regard to certain items that we sell. If said item is faulty it will be exchanged for another but money will not be returned.
This condition of sale is clearly displayed on a notice at the counter, in plain view, and the Trading Standards people are quite happy with it.

[Oneeyedvic]

Blackthorn - that is illegal and Trading Standards would not have condoned it.
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/fact -sheets/page38311.html

Q9. Must I accept a credit note instead of a refund?

It depends on why you want to return the goods.

� If you have changed your mind, then the shop doesn't have to do anything.

� But if the goods are faulty, incorrectly described or not fit for purpose, then you are entitled to your money back (provided you act quickly), and you certainly don't have to take a credit note

� If you do accept a credit note in these circumstances, watch out, as there may be restrictions on their use.

� If the shop displays a sign stating they only give credit notes instead of refunds, they might be breaking the law and you could report them to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Consumers in Northern Ireland should contact Consumer Line on 0845 600 6262.