Today the Consumer Rights Act comes into force, applying to all retailers. So what does this mean for your business?

What does the Act do? 

The Consumer Rights Act consolidates and enhances consumer rights in respect of the sale of goods, services and digital content. It clarifies and changes the law relating to ‘unfair terms‘ in consumer contracts and consolidates and enhances enforcers‘ investigatory powers and extends the ability of trading standards bodies to operate across local boundaries. 

What are the key changes for retailers? 

Increased consumer remedies for goods:  

Consumers have a new 30-day right to reject faulty or mis-described goods and if a consumer exercises this right, the retailer must refund them in full. If the consumer requests a repair or a replacement, the 30-day period can be extended.  

If a product is faulty or mis-described, the consumer may, instead of rejecting it, require the retailer to repair or replace it. This right applies during and beyond the initial 30 days after purchase