IT is World Consumer Rights Day – also the date in 1962 when US President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress on the subject’s importance.
He became the first world leader to formally recognise the crucial role it plays in the economy.
Kennedy was the first to outline the importance of consumer rights[/caption]
During his landmark speech, President Kennedy emphasised that “consumers are the largest economic group, affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision”.
He went on to outline four fundamental consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to choose, the right to information and the right to be heard.
These principles laid the foundation for modern consumer protection policies.
In Ireland, the CCPC recently revealed that one in four shoppers are still unsure of their rights when returning faulty goods.
Here, Switcher.ie’s consumer champion Eoin Clarke shares seven myth-busting facts around refund rights, including how long you’re protected under consumer law and when you are entitled to a full refund.
Gift recipients now have equal rights
Under new legislation introduced in 2022, gift recipients now have exactly the same rights as the original buyer.
If you have proof of purchase, and your gift turns out to be faulty, you can return it for a repair, exchange or refund.
Buying online means additional refund rights
If you buy something online, you have more rights than buying from a high street store.
You’re entitled to a 14-day “cooling-off period”, which means you can return the item within that time, even if you’ve just had a change of heart.
This is because you can’t view the goods before committing to purchase.
A major fault entitles you to a full refund
If your purchase turns out to be faulty or not fit for purpose and the seller can’t repair or replace it, you are entitled to a full refund.
You’re also entitled to an automatic refund if something you have bought has a major fault, or the shop can’t repair or replace it in a reasonable time.
Although many retailers will do so out of goodwill, un- fortunately, you have no rights if you have had a change of heart, so always double check the returns policy before buying an item.
A receipt is not the only proof of purchase
If you need to provide proof of purchase, scrambling to find a crumpled receipt isn’t the only option – remember you can also provide a debit or credit card statement or an emailed order confirmation.
You must get your refund in 14 days
If you are due a refund, you must receive it within 14 days, and you have the right to insist it’s in the same form as the original payment.
For example, if you paid in cash, the retailer is obliged to refund you in cash.
After buying a faulty good, your rights last six years
Though redress rights are stronger in the first 30 days and the first year after making a purchase, under consumer law, you’re still protected for up to six years after buying a faulty product, with the retailer responsible for resolving the issue.
Warranties are separate from rights
Though product guarantees and warranties sold by retailers can offer added protection, they are separate from your statutory rights.
Even if a product guarantee or warranty has expired, you may still be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.
Switcher.ie’s Eoin Clarke said: “Knowing your refund rights means a better chance of securing an exchange or a refund when things go wrong.
“You’re entitled to a full refund if a product has a major fault or the retailer can’t repair or replace it.
“While redress rights are stronger in the first month and year after purchase, you’re still protected for up to six years.
“A bank statement or email confirmation of your order counts as proof of purchase and buying online entitles you to additional rights, like 14 days to change your mind, with no questions asked.”
Only one in four shoppers know their consumer rights[/caption]
Experts say a receipt isn’t the only proof of purchase[/caption]
Online shoppers have different rights from in person purchasers[/caption]
