When you buy goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you automatic legal protections. These rights apply whether you buy in-store, online, or by phone.

For a full overview of how the Act works across goods, services and digital content, see Consumer Rights Act 2015 Overview.

Goods Must Be of Satisfactory Quality

Goods must meet the standard that a reasonable person would consider satisfactory, taking into account:

  • The description of the goods.
  • The price paid.
  • Any other relevant circumstances.

This includes durability, safety, freedom from minor defects, and overall appearance and finish.

Goods Must Be Fit for Purpose

If you make it known that you are buying goods for a particular purpose, and you reasonably rely on the trader’s skill or judgement, the goods must be fit for that purpose.

This applies even if the purpose is not the normal use of the goods, unless it would be unreasonable for you to rely on the trader’s skill or judgement.

Goods Must Be As Described

Goods must match their description.

This includes:

  • Advertising.
  • Online descriptions.
  • Verbal statements made by the trader.
  • Labels and packaging.

Goods Must Match a Sample or Model

If you bought goods based on a sample or display model, the goods supplied must match that sample or model.

The Trader Must Have the Right to Supply the Goods

The trader must have legal ownership or authority to sell the goods to you.

If goods are stolen or subject to someone else’s ownership rights, you may have additional remedies.

What Happens If Goods Do Not Meet These Standards?

If goods do not conform to the contract, you have a series of remedies.

These include:

Your rights are also affected by certain time limits. See Time Limits and the 6-Month Rule.

Other Important Goods Rules

Key Point

When you buy goods from a trader, these rights apply automatically. A trader cannot remove or restrict them by contract terms.