.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Question: What are my consumer rights when I buy something in the sales? Can I return sales items?
Answer: Your consumer rights during a sale are exactly the same as at any other time of the year. Your rights do not change just because you bought the item in a sale.
Goods should be of merchantable quality, fit for their intended purpose and as described. If they are not, you are entitled to a repair, a replacement or a refund.
If there is a fault with goods that you bought at full price and are now on sale at a reduced price, you are entitled to a refund of the full price (if the shop is willing to offer a refund).
Shop notices such as “No Refunds” or “No Exchanges” do not limit your rights, if you have a complaint about faulty items.
However, you are not entitled to a refund because you change your mind about something you have bought in a shop, whether this is during the sales or at any other time of the year. Many shops do allow you to exchange goods that you have had second thoughts about, but this is at their discretion. It is a good idea to check the shop’s refund policy before buying anything.
You should always keep your receipts as proof of purchase and the price paid. This does not necessarily have to be the shop receipt. You could show your credit or debit card statement if you used one or any other documentation that proves it was purchased.
For more information, visit the website of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at consumerhelp.ie.
• Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below. Contact them in Tralee on Tel: 0761 07 7860 Killarney 0761 07 7820, Listowel 0761 07 7840 Kenmare 0761 07 7810, Killorglin 0761 07830 & Caherciveen 0761 07 7780.
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000
