Can I Return Sale Items? The “No Refunds” Myth Explained

TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read

  • The Golden Rule: Your rights depend on why you are returning it, not whether it was on sale.

  • If it is Faulty: You have the same rights as a full-price item. They must refund, repair, or replace it.

  • If you Changed Your Mind (In-Store): Shops do not have to refund you. “No Returns on Sale Items” is legal here.

  • If you Changed Your Mind (Online): You have 14 days to return it, even if it was on sale (thanks to the Cooling-Off Period).

You rush into the Boxing Day sales. You grab a coat marked “50% OFF.” You get it home, try it on… and hate it. You take it back to the shop, but the assistant points to a sign on the till:

“Strictly No Refunds or Exchanges on Sale Items.”

Is that legal? The answer is: It depends on where you bought it.

Scenario A: You Bought it In-Store

If you walked into a physical shop, tried it on (or chose not to), and paid at the till, the law is strict.

1. If you just “Changed Your Mind”

  • The Law: You have no legal right to return an item just because you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit.

  • The Shop’s Policy: Many shops offer a “Goodwill” return policy (e.g., 28 days to return). However, they are allowed to change this for sale items.

  • Verdict: If the sign says “No Returns on Sale Items,” they can legally refuse you.

2. If the Item is Faulty

  • The Law: The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says goods must be of “satisfactory quality.”

  • The Rule: If the zip is broken or the stitching falls apart, the “No Returns” sign is illegal.

  • Verdict: You have a right to a refund, repair, or replacement, even if it cost £1.

  • Exception: You cannot return it for a fault they told you about (e.g., a label saying “Reduced price due to missing button”).

Scenario B: You Bought it Online

If you bought the item from your sofa, you have much more power.

1. The 14-Day Cooling-Off Period

  • Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have a legal right to cancel an online order within 14 days of receiving it.

  • Does “Sale” matter? No. Even if it was 90% off, you can send it back.

  • The Catch: You might have to pay for the return postage.

Scenario C: “Credit Note Only”

Often, a shop will say: “We can’t give you cash, but here is a gift voucher.”

  • For Faulty Items: You can refuse this. You are entitled to money back.

  • For “Change of Mind”: Take the voucher. They didn’t have to give you anything!

A Quick Story: Meet Dave

  • Dave buys a TV in the January Sales for £200 (was £400).

  • Problem 1: He gets it home and realizes it’s too big for his stand.

    • Result: The shop refuses a refund. Dave is stuck with it. (Change of mind).

  • Problem 2: He turns it on, and the screen flickers.

    • Result: The shop points to the “No Refunds” sign. Dave quotes the Consumer Rights Act. The shop must give him his £200 back. (Faulty product).

Summary: Your “Sale” Checklist

Before you tap your card on a sale item, check these three things:

  1. Is it Online? Buy it. You can always return it.

  2. Is it In-Store? Ask: “What is your return policy on sale items?” (Don’t assume).

  3. Is it Faulty? Ignore the signs. You have rights.

(Sources: Which? – Return Rights, Gov.uk – Accepting Returns)

This guide is for information purposes only. “Faulty” means a manufacturing defect, not damage you caused yourself.