It’s not uncommon to buy a new item and later discover that it’s faulty or damaged. In these situations, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund if the product was not of satisfactory quality, not fit for its intended purpose, or not as advertised.

If you have purchased a faulty item, start by reviewing the store’s return policy given at the time of purchase. Return policies often include important limitations, such as a required return period, or specify what type of compensation is offered, like store credit or an exchange. Being familiar with these terms helps you understand what you are entitled to and what steps you need to take.

If the business does not have a return policy, the Sale of Goods Act 1978 still requires sellers to ensure that the goods they sell are of satisfactory quality. This includes factors such as appearance, durability, safety, being free from minor defects, and being suitable for their intended purpose. When a business fails to meet these standards, it amounts to a breach of warranty, and you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or reimbursement.

However, there are situations where the Sale of Goods Act 1978 may not apply, such as when:

• the seller clearly told you the item was damaged before purchase,

• you examined the item and did not notice a defect that should have been visible,

• the item became damaged due to normal wear and tear, misuse, or an accident after purchase, or

• too much time has passed to reasonably prove the item was faulty at the time of purchase.

Sometimes a consumer may want to return an item simply because they changed their mind. If the product is not faulty, the ability to return it depends entirely on the store’s return policy. Many stores require items to be returned within a set time frame and may limit compensation to store credit or exchange.

If a business does not offer a return policy at all, you may still rely on the Sale of Goods Act 1978 to return a faulty item, provided you act within a reasonable period of time. Waiting too long can affect your ability to prove the item was faulty at purchase.