Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › No Refunds Sign in a Shop: Is It Legal?
No Refunds Sign in a Shop: Is It Legal?
A shop does not have to give refunds when you simply change your mind, but it cannot take away your legal rights. If an item is faulty, not as described or not fit for purpose, a sign saying no refunds does not stop you claiming. Trading Standards says signs that try to remove your right to a refund are illegal.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Signs and Your Rights
GOV.UK
It is illegal for a business to mislead customers about their rights, for example by displaying a sign that says it does not accept returns or offer refunds. source
Trading Standards
Any sign which seeks to remove a customer's right to a refund is illegal. A no refunds sign may give the impression that customers have no right to a refund whatever the circumstances, and displaying such notices is likely to be a criminal offence. source
Contract Terms
A term in a contract for goods is not binding on you to the extent that it would exclude or restrict the trader's liability for goods being of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 yearsClaim for a faulty item5 years in Scotland
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check whether the item is faulty or you changed your mind.
Step 2 of 5
If faulty, tell the shop your rights do not depend on its sign.
Step 3 of 5
Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy.
Step 4 of 5
Pay by card where you can for extra protection.
Step 5 of 5
Report misleading signs through Citizens Advice.
(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 Shop
Raise it with the manager in writing.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice; can pass cases to Trading Standards.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A sign about change-of-mind returns can be fine, as long as it does not suggest you lose your rights for faulty goods.
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: 13 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
- gov.uk/accepting-returns-and-giving-refunds Checked 13 October 2026
- wigan.gov.uk/Business/Trading-Standards/AdviceToBusinesses.aspx Checked 13 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/31 Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue Checked 8 October 2026