Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › Faulty Second-Hand Goods From a Shop
Faulty Second-Hand Goods from a Shop
Your rights when buying from a business apply to used goods as well as new: they must be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for purpose. A shop cannot refuse just because an item was second-hand, though what counts as satisfactory takes its age and price into account. Buying from a private seller gives you fewer rights.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights
Buying from a Business
Buying from a business: goods must be of satisfactory quality, as described (including in the listing and marketing material) and fit for purpose. This applies to used goods as well as new, and you can seek a refund, repair or replacement. source
What Is Not Covered
The rules do not cover a fault you were told about before you bought, or one you should have seen if you examined the goods before buying. Ordinary wear and tear and damage you caused are not faults either. 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
After 30 Days
Repair or Replacement
After 30 days you can ask for a repair or replacement at no cost to you. The trader must do it within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience. source
One Chance to Repair
The trader gets one chance to repair or replace. If that fails or the fault comes back, you can keep the goods and ask for a price reduction, or reject them for a refund. source
Buying from a Private Seller
Buying from a private seller: only the 'as described' requirement applies. Unless the description was misleading, you generally cannot demand a refund because you are unhappy with the purchase or it has a problem. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 30 daysReject a faulty item for a full refund30 days from delivery, or from when any installation is finished
- 6 monthsFault presumed to have been there from the startFaults that appear within 6 months of delivery
- 6 yearsTime limit for a court claim6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check whether you bought from a business or a private person: it changes your rights.
Step 2 of 5
Gather the receipt, listing or advert, and photos of the fault.
Step 3 of 5
Tell the seller what is wrong, and ask for a refund (within 30 days) or a repair or replacement. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
If you were told about the fault before you bought, you cannot complain about that fault.
Step 5 of 5
If the seller will not help, ask your card provider about Section 75 or chargeback.
(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 Retailer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and say which remedy you want.
Your Card or Credit Provider
If you paid by credit card or regulated buy now pay later and the shop will not put it right.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice, and help deciding whether to start a small claim, once the seller has not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Ask about any faults before you buy, and keep the advert or listing: it is your proof of how the item was described.
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
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/9 Checked 12 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- businesscompanion.info/node/623/printable/print Checked 12 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 8 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/deciding-whether-to-make-a-small-claim Checked 8 October 2026