Just who are you donating to?

Are you checking if you are donating to a charity, business or even a scam operation? You can check to see if you are donating to a registered charity by visiting the Charity Commission .

How long is a 'reasonable time'?

If you want to reject the goods and claim a full refund this should be done as soon as possible. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) provides that you have accepted the goods once you have had a reasonable opportunity to examine them. If you wish a refund, the burden of proof is on the consumer (i.e. you) to prove there is a manufacturing defect.


If you would rather accept a repair or replacement, the trader must be advised of the fault within 6 months of delivery. It then becomes the trader's responsibility to prove the goods were not faulty on delivery, as the law assumes they were.

What rights do I have if I buy faulty goods in a shop?

When you buy goods from any trader you have certain rights automatically written into the contract. The goods must be:

• Of satisfactory quality, covering for example the appearance and finish of goods, their safety and durability and their freedom from defects (even minor ones) - except where they have been pointed out to you before purchase.
• Fit for their purpose.
• As described, complying with any description applied to them during the sale.

If the goods do not meet these standards, there is a breach of contract on the part of the trader. You are entitled to reject the goods and claim a refund, depending on how long you have owned the goods. Alternatively you can demand a repair and if this is unsatisfactory, a replacement. You do not have to accept a credit note. You have a reasonable time to return faulty goods - after which you are deemed to have accepted the goods and their faults.

Do I have any rights if I buy from a private seller e.g. a car or other goods from a small advert in the local paper?

You have fewer rights than if you buy from a trader. It is very much a case of Buyer Beware. The goods only have to be as described. The goods do not have to be free of faults or fit for their purpose.

Do I have any rights when I buy second hand goods?

Yes. The legislation applies to second hand goods but you should bear in mind that you would not normally expect second hand goods to be in perfect condition or to last as long as new ones.

Are there any circumstances where the law says I can change my mind?

Yes - in certain cases; where you have signed a contract away from business premises e.g. at home, you may have a cooling-off period during which you can change your mind. In the case of a credit agreement signed away from business premises, you usually have a five day period to cancel. In the case of a contract made at your home following an unsolicited visit from the trader you usually have seven days to cancel. However, if a trader provides a service during the cooling-off period, you may have to pay for the work carried out.