The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to specific types of contracts where a trader supplies goods to a consumer.

Identifying the correct type of goods contract is important because it determines how ownership transfers and how statutory protections apply.

For the overall framework of the Act, see Consumer Rights Act 2015 Overview.

The Four Types of Goods Contract

The Act applies where a trader supplies goods under one of the following types of contract:

Sales Contracts Ownership of goods transfers from the trader to the consumer in exchange for a price.

Hire of Goods The consumer pays to use goods for a period of time, but ownership does not transfer.

Hire-Purchase Agreements The consumer hires goods and pays in instalments. Ownership transfers only if the contractual conditions are satisfied, typically after all instalments are paid

Contract for Transfer of Goods Ownership transfers from trader to consumer, but not necessarily in exchange for a traditional price.

Why Identifying the Contract Type Matters

Different types of goods contracts affect:

  • When ownership transfers.
  • Who bears certain risks.
  • How financial regulations may apply.

For more on ownership and transfer of title, see Ownership of Goods.

What Rights Apply Under These Contracts?

If your agreement falls into one of these categories, statutory rights automatically apply.

Goods must:

  • Be of satisfactory quality.
  • Be fit for purpose.
  • Be as described.
  • Match any sample or model.

See What Statutory Rights Apply to Goods? for the full list of protections.

Contracts Not Covered

The Act does not apply to every arrangement involving goods. For example, purely private sales between individuals are generally outside its scope.

The trader must be acting in the course of a business for the Act to apply.

Next Steps

Once you have identified the type of goods contract, you can review the statutory standards and available remedies if something goes wrong.