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The Sale of Goods Act

Know your rights under the Sales of Goods Act

You've probably heard about the Sale of Goods Act 1979, likely within the context of consumer rights. But what exactly does the Sale of Goods Act say about your everyday interactions with retailers, and what rights does it grant you?

The part of the Sale of Goods Act which is likely to apply to you regards the return of faulty goods to the shop they were purchased from.

Regarding this matter, the Sale of Goods Act states that if you buy goods which turn out not to be in "satisfactory" condition, it is the obligation of the retailer to resolve this situation.

In practice, this means that if you purchase faulty goods, the business you bought them from is legally required to offer a refund, if the goods are returned to them within a reasonable period of time. The Sale of Goods Act also states that if a longer period of time has elapsed and your money cannot be refunded, the retailer must offer a replacement or have the item repaired for you, free of charge.

These rights laid out in the Sale of Goods Act apply regardless of manufacturers' warranties or guarantees, and are the responsibility of the retailer.

To learn more about your rights when returning faulty goods or dealing with retailers, read our free consumer rights guide.

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