Q: While I was walking down a street I was suddenly stopped by a young lady selling creams. She was very persuasive and I ended up spending over €100 on creams I did not really need. In fact, a few minutes later I regretted my decision and went back to the shop to return them. Unfortunately, my request for a cash refund was denied by the seller. I don’t think this is fair as I felt pressured into buying them. What rights do I have?

A: The Consumer Rights Regulations stipulate that contracts of sale concluded on business premises after a consumer is personally and individually addressed in a place that is not the premises of the trader, such as the street in your case, are defined as off-premises. Hence, you are legally entitled to withdraw from the contract of sale. You have 14 days to change your mind about the purchase made without giving any reason.

It is your responsibility to inform the seller about your wish to cancel the sale before the 14-day cancellation period expires. It is also important to have proof that the request for cancellation was made within the legal time limit. Once you cancel the sale, the trader is obliged to issue a refund within 14 days.