Returning items bought in sales

Q: What are my legal rights if I buy an item at a reduced price and then decide to take it back to the shop?

A: Legally, you do not have the right to take something back to a shop just because you change your mind or realise that you have purchased the wrong product. This rule applies to any kind of purchase, regardless of whether the product purchased was on sale or not.

Even though your legal rights to a replacement or refund do not apply in this situation, it is still worth trying to go back to the shop and ask if it is possible to have the item you bought exchanged.

Many shops allow this even if, legally, they are not obliged to. However, the best way to make sure you can take something back is to come to an agreement with the sales assistant that you can do this before you conclude the sale. If you have made an arrangement of this kind, the shop is obliged to honour it.

If there is something wrong with the item you bought, then you have the legal right to return it. Depending on the circumstances, you may get a repair or replacement, or if these solutions are not possible you may claim your money back.

In such a situation, you may also refuse a credit note, unless you think this is an acceptable solution.

These rights are applicable whether you buy an item during a sale or at any other time.

If the shop tells you otherwise, they are breaking the law and you may file a complaint with the Consumer and Competition Department.