Q: I went to a local shop to buy a pair of shoes and a matching handbag. Unfortunately, the bag matching the shoes I liked was sold out.

I therefore opted for another handbag. After buying it, I changed my mind and decided to return it to the store.

When I went back to change the bag, I was informed that handbags and purses cannot be exchanged. This was also written on the receipt. I think such policy is ridiculous.

I would like to know what the law states in such a situation. Can a shop adopt such policies?

A: Consumer law gives consumers the right to ask for repair or replacement when the product purchased is either defective or does not conform to the contract of sale. Since in your case you want to exchange the handbag because you changed your mind, legally, the seller is not obliged to take it back and replace it with another model. In such situations, sellers are free to apply their own return policies.