Can I return something just because I changed my mind?

Only if you bought it online or off-premises — the Consumer Contracts Regulations give you a 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales. For in-store purchases, change-of-mind returns depend entirely on the retailer's own policy.

What's the short-term right to reject?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if goods are faulty, you can reject them and get a full refund within 30 days of purchase or delivery. After 30 days, the retailer gets one chance to repair or replace before you can ask for a refund.

Do I have rights after a warranty expires?

Yes. Warranties and guarantees are extra — they don't replace your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act. Goods must last a reasonable length of time (up to 6 years in England and Wales, 5 in Scotland). If a TV fails after 4 years, you may still have a partial-refund claim even if the manufacturer's warranty has expired.

Consumer refunds and warranty rights (UK)

Plain-language guide · reviewed for general accuracy · United Kingdom

UK consumer law gives you some of the strongest protections in the world. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is the law that matters most — it sets out exactly what you're entitled to when something you bought turns out to be faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose.

1. Your three statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015

Everything you buy from a business must be: of satisfactory quality (not damaged or broken, taking account of price and description), fit for a particular purpose (if you told the seller what you needed it for), and as described (matching any description, model, or sample shown). These rights apply to goods, digital content, and services. If any of these standards aren't met, the seller — not the manufacturer — is responsible for putting it right.

2. The 30-day right to reject

If goods are faulty, you have a short-term right to reject them and get a full refund within 30 days of purchase (or delivery, if bought online). You don't have to accept a repair or replacement during this period. This is a powerful right — the retailer cannot refuse. After 30 days and up to 6 months, the retailer must be given one chance to repair or replace the item. If that repair or replacement fails, you can then claim a refund (possibly with a deduction for the use you've had).

Tip: For the first 6 months after purchase, if a fault appears it's presumed to have existed at the time of delivery — the burden of proof is on the retailer to show it didn't. After 6 months, you may need to prove the fault was there from the start, which can be harder.

3. Online purchases and the 14-day cooling-off period

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, when you buy online, by phone, or mail order, you generally have 14 days from receiving the goods to cancel and return them — for any reason or no reason at all. The retailer must refund you within 14 days of receiving the goods back (or you providing proof of return). Some items are excluded: personalised goods, perishables, sealed software or media that you've opened, and certain hygiene items.

4. Guarantees and warranties — they're extra

Any manufacturer's warranty or extended guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights, not a replacement. You can always fall back on your Consumer Rights Act rights even if a warranty has expired. And if a warranty promises less than your statutory rights — such as a repair-only policy within 30 days of a faulty product — the statutory rights override it. Watch out for retailers who try to fob you off to the manufacturer: your contract is with the seller, and they're legally responsible.

5. What to do when the retailer won't help

Start by putting your complaint in writing (email is fine), citing the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and exactly which right you're claiming. If the retailer still refuses, you can escalate to the Retail Ombudsman or other certified Alternative Dispute Resolution provider (if the retailer is a member), complain to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice, or bring a small claim in the county court. For credit card purchases over £100 and up to £30,000, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes the card company jointly liable — you can claim directly from them.

Common questions

Can I return something just because I changed my mind?: Yes for online purchases (14 days). For in-store, it depends on the retailer's own returns policy.
What's the 30-day right to reject?: Faulty goods can be returned for a full refund within 30 days — no repair or replacement required.
Do I have rights after the warranty expires?: Yes. Statutory rights under the CRA 2015 last up to 6 years (5 in Scotland), regardless of warranties.

Every purchase is different. Tell the assistant what you bought, when, and what's wrong for a plain-language starting point on your rights.

This guide is general information about UK consumer law and is not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact Citizens Advice consumer service, Trading Standards, or a solicitor.