Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › What Does "As Described" Mean?
What Does "as Described" Mean?
Goods you buy from a business must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for their purpose. "As described" means they must match what you were told, including in the listing and marketing material. Even a private seller must not misdescribe an item.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
What Goods Must Be
Goods you buy from a business must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for their purpose (Consumer Rights Act 2015). Your contract is with the seller, not the manufacturer, so the seller is the one to complain to. source
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
Private Seller Descriptions
A private seller cannot misdescribe an item, but can leave out information. If the item does not match the listing's photos, you may have grounds for a refund even from a private seller. 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
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Keep the listing, advert or screenshot.
Step 2 of 4
Compare it with what you received.
Step 3 of 4
Tell the seller what does not match and what you want.
Step 4 of 4
Ask for a refund within 30 days.
(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.
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
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- saga.co.uk/magazine/money/spending/consumer-rights/what-are-your-rights-when-buying-second-hand-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