Goods Must Be As Described

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods you buy from a trader must match their description.

This is one of the three core legal standards that apply to goods. Alongside being of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose, goods must be exactly what was promised.

For a broader explanation of faulty goods, see Faulty Goods Explained.

What Does “As Described” Mean?

Goods must match any description given to you before the contract was made.

This includes descriptions in:

  • Online listings.
  • Product packaging.
  • Labels and specifications.
  • Catalogues.
  • Advertisements.
  • Statements made by sales staff.

If the product does not match what you were told, it may be legally faulty, even if it works perfectly.

Examples of Goods Not As Described

  • A sofa advertised as genuine leather that turns out to be synthetic.
  • A phone listed as having 256GB storage that only has 128GB.
  • A car described as “one previous owner” that has had several.
  • A jacket sold as waterproof that has no waterproof lining.
  • Furniture advertised as solid wood that is veneer-covered chipboard.

In each of these cases, the goods breach the “as described” requirement.

Photos and Samples Count

If you buy goods based on a sample or model shown to you, the goods must match that sample, except for minor differences you were clearly told about.

Product photos also form part of the description. While minor colour variations may occur, the goods must not be materially different from what was shown.

Verbal Statements Also Matter

If a salesperson makes a specific factual claim about a product, and you rely on that statement when buying, it may form part of the contract.

For example:

  • “This laptop will run professional design software without issues.”
  • “This washing machine has a five-year manufacturer guarantee.”

If those statements turn out to be untrue, the goods may not be as described.

What If the Description Changes After Purchase?

The description that matters is the one in place at the time you entered into the contract.

A trader cannot change the description after purchase to avoid responsibility.

When the Trader May Not Be Liable

The trader may not be responsible if:

  • You were clearly told about a difference before buying.
  • The issue was obvious and visible before purchase.
  • You misunderstood a clearly stated specification.

However, vague wording or hidden disclaimers may not protect the trader.

Your Remedies

If goods are not as described, you can use the same remedies available for other faults.

Within 30 Days

You can usually reject the goods for a full refund.

Read: Short-Term Right to Reject

After 30 Days

You can request a repair or replacement.

Read: Repair or Replacement

If Repair Fails

You can reject the goods or keep them and request a price reduction.

Read: Final Right to Reject or Price Reduction

The 6-Month Rule

If the issue becomes apparent within six months of delivery, it is presumed the problem existed at the time of delivery unless the trader proves otherwise.

Read: Time Limits and the 6-Month Rule

Unfair “No Refund” Policies

A business cannot avoid responsibility by stating “no refunds” if goods are not as described.

Such terms may be unenforceable under consumer law.

See Unfair Terms – What the Law Says.

In Simple Terms

If the product you receive is materially different from what you were promised, it breaches the law.

Even if the goods function properly, they must match their description. If they do not, you are entitled to repair, replacement, or refund.