Guides › Online Marketplaces › Do I Have to Pay Return Postage?
Do I Have to Pay Return Postage?
If you return something bought online from a business because you changed your mind, you may have to pay the return postage. If the item is faulty, you should not have to. Business sellers must tell you the costs clearly and give a 14-day cooling-off period.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
Online Trader Rules
Online traders must state payment and delivery costs clearly and offer a 14-day cooling-off period, though you may have to pay return postage unless the item is faulty. source
Reject Within 30 Days
Within 30 days of delivery you can usually reject faulty goods and get a refund. You will normally need to show the fault. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysOnline cooling-off period when buying from a business seller14 days (does not apply to private sellers)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Check whether the item is faulty or you just changed your mind.
Step 2 of 4
Read the seller's returns terms.
Step 3 of 4
If faulty, ask the seller to pay or refund the return postage.
Step 4 of 4
Get proof of postage.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Seller, Through the Marketplace
Always start here, in writing, with a deadline.
Your Card Provider or PayPal
If you paid by card or PayPal and the seller will not put it right.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- saga.co.uk/magazine/money/spending/consumer-rights/what-are-your-rights-when-buying-second-hand-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/citizens-advice-warns-buyers-need-to-beware-as-thousands-of-people-report-being-ripped-off-on-online-marketplaces Checked 12 October 2026