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How long do I have to return an online purchase?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 18, 2026

When you buy an item online, by law, you have 14 days to return it. And that's 14 days from when it arrives. That's because under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to see a product in its actual form (rather than just simply a photograph) before making your final decision.

Can I return something after 30 days?

Under the Consumer Rights Act, you have the right to return something within 30 days and get all of your money back if it's faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose.

How long do you legally have to return an item?

Faulty items

Under the Consumer Rights Act as long as you return an item within 30 days of purchase you can do so without a receipt and still have the right to a full refund. If you don't want to return or exchange the item then you can ask for it to be repaired.

Can you return something if you bought it online?

Most online stores will only accept returns of unused and unopened items. If it is clothing, you must keep the tags on the clothing in order to return the purchase. Follow website directions. Most online stores have step-by-step instructions for processing a return.

What is the refund policy on online shopping?

Typically, eCommerce stores offer a 15 to 30-day window in which customers can return a product and ask for a refund. Some businesses extend that period up to 90 days. Regardless of the time frame you choose, ensuring that you actually have a time frame is essential.

37 related questions found

Is it mandatory to have refund policy?

A policy outlining the guidelines in case a cancellation and/or refund is done on a purchase is essential as it lays down the course of action a customer and the company can take. If a company does not have a stated policy, it would infringe a customer's right to redressal.

How do you politely ask for a refund?

Strong ways to request a refund in English

  1. – I feel you should, at the very least, refund the sum of €50 I paid for … (strong)
  2. – I insist that you refund my money at once (strong)
  3. – I must insist on a full refund immediately (strong)
  4. – I'd like a refund.
  5. – I want to have my money back.

How do online returns work?

Returning an online item to the store will reduce wait times for your refund or exchange. Replace the item in its original packaging. Bring your item, original packaging, the credit card you used, if applicable and the receipt. Go to the Returns or Customer Service department at the store.

How long do you have to return new look?

Sale items purchased in store you can return them within 28 days of purchase, with a valid receipt, for an exchange or refund to a New Look credit note only. Items must be unworn and in their original condition. Items must be returned with a valid receipt/proof of purchase.

Can you return Best Buy online orders in store?

Return at a store

You may return any item purchased on BestBuy.com at any Best Buy store. For faster return processing, please bring your packing slip (if you received one), or your receipt, the credit card used to make your purchase, and a valid photo ID.

Can you exchange goods after 28 days?

You must repair or replace an item if a customer returns it within 6 months - unless you can prove it was not faulty when they bought it. You can ask a customer to prove an item was faulty when they bought it if they ask for a repair or replacement after 6 months.

Is there a time limit within which I may return defective products?

Some stores set specific terms or a time frame as to when an item can be returned—it can be seven days to 30 days. There is no hard and fast rule on the period, but you need to take into consideration the nature of the item purchased and the express/implied warranties mandated by law.

Is there a time limit on returning faulty goods?

Buy goods online or by mail order or catalogue from an UK (or EU) based business, then the Distance Selling Regulations mean you have a NO FAULT right to return goods, provided you tell them within seven working days.

Can stores refuse refunds?

A business can refuse to give you a free repair, replacement or refund if: you simply changed your mind. you misused the product or service in a way that contributed to the problem.

What do I do if I don't get my refund?

Company Won't Give You a Refund? Here's How to Get Your Money Back

  1. Try to Work it Out with the Merchant First.
  2. Option 1: Request a Chargeback.
  3. Option 2: Consider Mediation.
  4. Option 3: Sue in Small Claims.
  5. Option 4: Pursue Consumer Arbitration.
  6. FairShake Can Help Make Arbitrating a Breeze.

Can you return to Amazon past 30 days?

We cannot exchange items unless they are defective or damaged. Items that are returned more than 30 days after delivery, are in unsellable condition, or are missing parts will be charged a restocking fee at our discretion. We cannot accept items returned after 60 days.

Can I return to Matalan after 14 days?

Don't worry, you can return items in store, by post or via our online portal. We'll be happy to exchange or refund within 14 days of purchase if you bought the items in store, or within 14 days of you receiving the items if you ordered them online.

What is your return policy?

Return policies are the rules a retailer creates to manage how customers return and exchange unwanted merchandise they purchased. A return policy tells customers what items can be returned and for what reasons, as well as the timeframe over which returns are accepted.

Can I return New Look without receipt?

For a New Look item given as a gift without a receipt, you are more than welcome to return this to any New Look store for an exchange at the item's current price in the till system. The item must be unworn, with tags attached.

What percentage of online orders are returned?

Data suggests that 20% of online-bought products are returned, compared to just 9% of items bought in a brick-and-mortar store. Let's take a closer look at why that figure is so high. Consumer preference-based returns (e.g., size, fit, style, etc.)

What is a good reason to return an item?

The product was damaged or defective

Items sometimes get damaged during shipping, or they leave the warehouse in damaged or defective condition. Once again, the merchant is obligated to issue a refund. The customer clearly has the right to receive an undamaged and functional product or get their money back.

What to say when you want to return something?

Smile and say, "Hi, I want to return this item which I bought last week." Show the clerk the item and your receipt. Don't delay returning the item. Some stores allow returns but only for a certain amount of time. For example, many stores only allow returns within 14 days of the purchase.

What do you say when a customer wants to get a refund?

Acknowledge their request, show some empathy, provide a concise explanation on why you cannot issue a refund (whether it's old warranties, missing the refund deadline, the condition of the returned product, etc.), and offer an alternative solution, if possible.

How do you handle eCommerce returns?

5 ways to Manage eCommerce Returns

  1. Create a flexible Return Policy. One of the important points in the returns management best practices is to craft your return policies well. ...
  2. Allow Customers to make a Return Choice. ...
  3. Automate your Return Process. ...
  4. Speed up your eCommerce returns. ...
  5. Provide free shipping.

Can I return a faulty item after 6 months?

When goods are faulty, if you return them within six months, then it's up to the shop to prove they weren't faulty when you bought them. After this, the burden of proof shifts and it's up to you to prove they were faulty when you bought them.