The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned traders against placing signs in their stores that may mislead consumers about their right to receive a refund.
It explained that while stores can set their own refund policy for consumers who change their mind about a purchase, if a product is faulty, the consumer has legal rights, which take precedence over individual shop policies.
The CCPC’s caution comes after a recent enforcement action taken against Creative Retail Solutions Limited (trading as Gadget Box on Grafton Street, Dublin 2), due to the display of a sign, which the CCPC determined restricted consumers’ statutory rights.
The sign said that it was the shop’s strict policy not to provide refunds, and that goods could only be exchanged within 24 hours of purchase and with a receipt.
Signs such as this breach consumer protection legislation, because they seek to restrict consumers' rights if they want to return goods that are faulty.
The CCPC issued a Compliance Notice, notifying Creative Retail Solutions that they had breached consumer protection legislation and directed them to remove the sign.
Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the CCPC commented, "If a consumer purchases a faulty item, they have rights, including the right to return the goods and obtain a full refund. In no circumstances can a trader restrict or mislead consumers about their rights."
"The action taken against Creative Retail Solutions is in addition to 49 enforcement actions taken in the retail sector in 2015. It is up to retailers to ensure that they comply with consumer law and if they do not, they can expect to hear from the CCPC."
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
