I bought a dress a few weeks ago and it cost me €130. I changed my mind when I got home and I returned it to the shop last week and asked for a refund. I kept my receipt which proves that I paid €130 for it. Unfortunately, the store manager refused to refund me the full amount. The dress is now on sale for €69 and she would only refund me the reduced amount of €69. Please confirm the store cannot do this as I have my original receipt proving that’s I paid €130 for the item. Also, I received a birthday gift recently which is faulty but I don’t have the receipt. Can I return it to the shop?
Consumers are well protected in Ireland by strong consumer rights. When a consumer purchases an item we are entitled to expect goods to be of merchantable quality, fit for purpose and as described. If they are not, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. If a shop is prepared to offer a refund, rather than a repair or replacement, then your entitlement is to a refund of the full price and not the reduced sale price.
However, if you simply change your mind about a purchase a shop is not obliged to take the item back or refund you your money. Some stores may have a policy which offers refunds in respect of “change of mind” items but if so you are only entitled to the reduced sale price and not the original price paid. Such a policy is entirely a gesture of goodwill and not a legal requirement on the shop.
With regard to the faulty gift, you will need proof of purchase in order to return it to the shop. The person who bought the item is the one who holds the consumer rights, but if they pass the receipt on to you, then the consumer rights also pass to you, entitling you to a repair, replacement or refund.