What are my consumer rights to a refund?

Your statutory rights apply when you buy goods from a trader — in a shop, online or by phone. Digital content and services have parallel standards: apps, games and streaming must work as described; services must be carried out with reasonable care.

For faulty goods, the short-term right to reject lasts 30 days from purchase (or delivery for online orders). Tell the retailer you are rejecting the goods and want a refund — they must refund within 14 days including standard delivery costs. After 30 days, you must give the retailer one chance to repair or replace before insisting on a refund if the problem persists.

If you simply change your mind — wrong size, no longer wanted — you have no automatic legal right to a refund unless the seller offers a voluntary returns policy. Online purchases are different: under the Consumer Contracts Regulations you usually have 14 days to cancel most distance contracts and get a refund, even if the item is fine, though you may pay return postage.

Faulty goods bought on a credit card between £100 and £30,000 may also be claimable under Section 75. Debit and credit card chargeback may help if the retailer refuses. Keep receipts, report faults promptly, and escalate to the retailer ombudsman or Trading Standards via gov.uk if a business ignores your rights.